We were able to talk him out peacefully and without any violence” – Sheriff Matt Gentry
CULLMAN – “We have resolved the standoff. We did take the suspect in custody and right now he is currently being arrested on minor traffic violations that stem from him eluding investigators earlier,” said Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry following a nearly seven hour long standoff.
Christopher Burgett, 32, was taken into custody at his home on 8th St. SE in Garden City shortly after 2:30 a.m. Wednesday morning. Sheriff Gentry said Burgett was transported to the Cullman County Detention Center where he will undergo medical evaluations.
“We are going to be seeking some medical treatment, or mental evaluations for him over the next few hours to help him with some mental problems he is experiencing at this time,” said Gentry. “But we were able to talk him out peacefully and without any violence. I want to commend the deputies of the sheriff’s office and thank the Cullman City Police Department and Hanceville Police Department in their assistance here tonight.”
The incident began at approximately 8 p.m. Tuesday evening when sheriff’s deputies spotted Burgett, along with an unidentified male cousin, in Burgett’s car nearby a recent burglary call. The incident concluded with Burgett surrendering shortly after 2:40 a.m. Wednesday morning.
Gentry said Burgett fled investigators, leading them back to his residence located on 8th St. SE in Garden City. He said investigators believed the two men were involved in the burglary.
“It was something (chasing of Burgett) that was in response to the initial burglary call,” said Gentry. “But they were not involved in the initial burglary call.”
Gentry said once the men arrived at the residence the situation became dangerous for all involved.
“Once they arrived at his home, the suspects jumped out of the vehicle and brandished a firearm; a pistol. He then ran into the residence,” said Gentry. “The suspect (Burgett) came back outside holding either an AK-47 or an SKS, then he returned inside.”
Burgett was with an unidentified male cousin at the time of the chase and during the duration of the standoff. Sheriff Gentry said the cousin will not be facing any charges at this time.
Burgett is being charged with traffic violations stemming from the car chase and is currently not facing any other charges. Gentry said, “we will continue on in the investigation and looking further into those.”
Video 5 – Sheriff Matt Gentry Announces End to Garden City Standoff: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zx4XjsIoZs
Video 4 – Sheriff Matt Gentry Gives Fourth Update on Standoff in Garden City: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSW45eqJZww
Video 3 – Sheriff Matt Gentry Gives Third Update on Standoff in Garden City: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbFJmaeEoDo
Video 2 – Sheriff Matt Gentry Gives Update on Standoff: http://youtu.be/Hdn2SwM28PM
Video 1 – Sheriff Matt Gentry Addresses the Garden City Situation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ELXb3pSUxM
