By Scott Carlson-NP Post
NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-North Platte police have released more details on a standoff in the eastern part of the city on Wednesday.
According to police, on March 10, around 1:15 p.m., officers observed a Gold Chevrolet Suburban traveling eastbound on East 2nd Street.
Police say officers were aware that 30-year-old Michael Charging Elk was associated with this vehicle and had outstanding felony warrants for his arrest. Officers observed a traffic violation and attempted a traffic stop near 2nd and Bryan Streets, however, the vehicle failed to stop and continued down an alley.
Police say, with the vehicle still moving, a male passenger jumped out of the vehicle and took off running. Officers pursued the male and learned from citizens nearby, that the suspect ran into a residence in the 1400 Block of Burlington Boulevard.
According to police, officers confirmed the male that ran was Charging Elk and a perimeter was established around the house.
Officers knocked on the door and attempted to contact Charging Elk but were unsuccessful., and officers learned at this time that the front door had been barricaded with a couch and that there were firearms inside the residence. It was also learned that 31-year-old Amber Araujo was also inside the residence.
Police say officers attempted to negotiate with Araujo and Charging Elk through a PA system but were unsuccessful.
At 1: 43 p.m., the Nebraska State Patrol SWAT Team was called out to assist. Upon arrival, The SWAT Team attempted to negotiate with Charging Elk and Araujo but were unsuccessful at first.
Police say an armored vehicle was used to breach the front door of the residence and negotiations continued.
Around 4: 38 p.m., Araujo and Charging Elk both exited the residence and surrendered without further incident.
Charging Elk was arrested for the outstanding warrant for 2nd Degree Assault and Use of a Weapon to Commit a Felony, as well as Obstructing a Police Officer.
Araujo was placed under arrest for Accessory to a Class IIA Felony. Araujo and Charging Elk were incarcerated at the Lincoln County Detention Center.
The North Platte Police Department was assisted by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, The Nebraska State Patrol, and the Nebraska State Patrol SWAT Team.