On November 2, 2023, at approximately 5:22 p.m., Alliance Police Officers responded to a welfare check at Grand Lake Village South. During the welfare check, officers encountered a situation that required a swift and coordinated response.
Upon knocking on the door, an adult female answered the door and brandished a firearm at APD Officers. In response, the officers immediately retreated and took cover. The female in question made threats towards the officers, indicating that she would open fire if they approached any closer. Located in the residence was the female and a juvenile. The female was identified as Yadira Garza of Alliance.
Given the dynamics of the situation and the potential threat to public safety, a shelter-in-place order was issued, and additional law enforcement assistance was requested. At approximately 5:45 p.m., the Alliance Police Department Tactical Response Team Vehicle (TRTV) was deployed to the scene. At 6:16 p.m., the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) SWAT team was activated, along with an NSP Hostage Negotiator.
By 9:45 p.m., the NSP SWAT team had arrived on the scene to assist in the ongoing situation. The collaborative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Box Butte County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska Game and Parks, Alliance Fire Department, Alliance Streets Department, Alliance Police Department, Scottsbluff County Sheriff’s Office, Scottsbluff Police Department, and the Western Nebraska Intelligence and Narcotics Group (WING), were instrumental in managing the incident.
At 11:48 p.m., the situation was resolved peacefully when Yadira voluntarily came out the front door and surrendered. Following her surrender, a search of the residence was conducted, leading to the discovery of the firearm. The juvenile was checked out by Emergency Medical Staff on scene and was unharmed. Yadira was arrested and transported to the Box Butte County Jail.
This incident highlights the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation and the dedication of law enforcement professionals to ensuring the safety of our community. The Alliance Police Department wishes to express its gratitude to all the agencies involved and emphasizes its commitment to protecting the well-being of Alliance residents.