Ended! GCPD Diffuse Hostage Situation of District’s Chief Judge

Garden City, KS (westernkansasnews.com) A 33 year old assistant wrestling coach at Holcomb High School will face charges of aggravated assault, aggravated burglary, kidnapping and terrorism after entering the home of a judge with a handgun early Tuesday. Garden City Police Chief Michael Utz is looking into whether Jason Nichols wanted revenge after a child custody ruling between he and his wife didn’t go his way.

Nichols knocked on the door and entered Wurst’s residence around 7 Tuesday morning.

A few moments later Ronda Wurst was released. The standoff ended around 12:30 and forced the evacuation of neighbors. Justice Wurst and his wife are uninjured. The suspect surrendered peacefully.

*On-air story*

Picture from Police Presser

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Garden City Police officers have arrested an armed man several hours after he was let into a home on the 1800 block of Amir Circle. The incident happened shortly after 7 Tuesday morning as the suspect held the two occupants against their will in a hostage situation.

A short time later the woman was allowed to leave the residence and she called police from a neighbors house.  The other person remained held against his will by the armed suspect until shortly before 1 Tuesday afternoon.  No one was injured.

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Sources have told the Western Kansas Broadcast Center there is a hostage situation from early Tuesday morning on the eastside of town at the corner of Van Dittie Drive and Amir Circle.  

SWAT team members have surrounded the house, but its unclear if communication has been established with the perpetrator. If you do see police in the area, please keep clear and let them do their job.  Officers have closed the block where the encounter is taking place.  If we receive more information we will let you know.