The Urbana Police Department shared more details Wednesday morning regarding the standoff on South Lynn Street that occurred the day before. According to their statement, the individual who barricaded himself in an apartment ultimately gave up and was taken into custody due to an outstanding warrant.
The situation unfolded at 4:15 p.m. when detectives aimed to execute an arrest warrant for Jaliqwon Robertson, aged 26, on charges of aggravated robbery.
Upon contacting Robertson, he retreated into a third-floor apartment with a 23-year-old woman he knew. Once inside, he issued threats of violence against officers attempting to enter.
“Due to Robertson’s violent history and the immediate nature of the threat, detectives withdrew and activated the METRO SWAT team,” officials said. “As the incident continued over several hours and was further complicated by extreme heat, the Champaign SWAT team was also deployed to support the extended operation and ensure officer safety.”
Officers evacuated nearby apartments and homes while METRO SWAT tried to negotiate with Robertson. They treated the situation as an armed barricade involving a potential hostage.
Robertson surrendered after about seven hours of negotiations, officials said, and his female acquaintance also exited the apartment safely and without injury.
After Robertson was arrested, officers searched the apartment he was inside of. They found parts of a dismantled firearm along with firearm accessories.
“The Urbana Police Department would like to thank the Champaign Police Department, Arrow Ambulance Service, Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District, Ameren Services, and METCAD-911 for their vital assistance during this incident,” officials added.
Robertson was booked into the Champaign County Jail on the aggravated robbery warrant, but Urbana Police said additional charges are possible pending the outcome of the investigation. Court records show he is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday afternoon, and the State’s Attorney’s Office has filed a petition to detain him ahead of trial.
