Holyoke Chief of Police Doug Bergstrom communicates on his radio following the standoff with Yano Wayne Gipson. After Gipson’s capture, the department released the surrounding area from lockdown, and a woman who told police she had been assaulted was transported to Melissa Memorial Hospital in serious, but stable condition. — Andrew Turck | The Holyoke Enterprise
A barricade lines the end of Morlan Avenue’s 200 block Monday morning following the arrest of Yano Wayne Gipson by the Holyoke Police Department. — Andrew Turck | The Holyoke Enterprise
Yano Wayne Gipson apprehended following police lockdown
Monday, March 6, at approximately 9:40 a.m., the Holyoke Police Department received a 911 call for a party in the 200 block of South Morlan Avenue. The caller stated that she had been assaulted and that the male suspect, identified as Yano Wayne Gipson, was still in the home. Due the suspect’s previous history of threatening a shootout with law enforcement and his immediate access to firearms in the residence, a perimeter was set up around the 200 block of South Morlan Avenue. Holyoke High School and the surrounding area were placed on lockdown as a precaution until the situation could be resolved.
Officers from the Holyoke Police Department, Haxtun Police Department and Phillips County Sheriff’s Office maintained a hard perimeter around the residence. Commands were given to the suspect, who had barricaded himself inside the residence. After several repeated commands to leave the home, the suspect refused to exit. The Holyoke Police Department made the decision to conduct a tactical entry of the residence to apprehend the suspect due to a possible threat to public safety. During the entry, a light-and-sound discretionary device was utilized to disorient the suspect. Officers made entry into the residence and found the suspect hiding in a closet in the master bedroom. Officers gave several commands to the suspect, who eventually surrendered without incident.
Following the incident, residents were given the all clear and the high school was released from lockdown. The victim was transported to the Melissa Memorial Hospital with serious injuries, but in stable condition.
Gipson was taken into custody and charged with multiple felony charges including second-degree assault, first-degree burglary, menacing, false imprisonment, violation of two protection orders, reckless endangerment and domestic violence.
Holyoke Police Department appreciates the Haxtun Police Department, Phillips County Sheriff’s Office and Holyoke EMS for their quick response and assistance, which prevented any injuries to officers and the public.