EXCLUSIVE: Five-hour armed standoff ends peacefully; one in custody

Editor’s Note: A previous version of this story read that the Portage Co. Sheriff’s Office SRT Team responded to the scene. The story has been updated. We apologize for the error.

By Brandi Makuski

Stevens Point police say after nearly five hours engaged in an armed standoff on Main St., one male suspect surrender peacefully.

The suspect, Bernard T. Gordon, 41, was transported to the Portage Co. Jail at about 5:25 p.m. on Aug. 20.

Police initially responded to the home to execute a search warrant. Interim Police Chief Tom Zenner said shortly after arrival, the “situation escalated” and the joint Stevens Point/Plover SWAT team was called to the scene. 

Officers took two females of interest into custody for questioning. The man remained in the home, armed with a knife and a gun, Zenner said. It was not immediately clear why the police were conducting the search.

Officers blocked off Main St. between Division St. and Center Point Dr. for the entirety of the incident. Zenner said the road was closed for the safety of the public. 

Officers appeared to deploy a drone at about 3:45 p.m. in an effort to gauge the suspect’s location in the house. 

Paramedics from the Stevens Point Fire Department were asked to stage in a nearby church as a precaution. They were asked to come closer to the residence at 4:04 p.m.

The Portage Co. Sheriff’s Office and police from UWSP also responded to the scene.

This story will be updated.