Update: APD SWAT Called in to Assist Merkel Police, Man Still Recovering
By: APD Press Release
Updated: November 13, 2012
11/13/12 Update
The Merkel man burned during a stand-off with law enforcement officers is in critical condition in a Lubbock hospital.
49-year-old Garry Allyn Diltz is being treated in the burn center at University Medical Center in Lubbock.
Diltz was captured early Monday when he ran out of his burning home.
Officers fired chemicals into the man's mobile home after a two-hour standoff following Diltz allegedly pointing a gun at a sheriff's officer and a Merkel police officer.
Police say he suffered third-degree burns over about 50 percent of his body.
Original Story
At 12:01 a.m. on Monday, November 12, the Abilene Police Department was contacted by the Merkel Police Department and asked to assist with a barricaded person who was threatening suicide.
The Tactical Team learned that the suspect had reportedly threatened a Merkel Police Officer and Taylor County Sheriff's Deputy by pointing a firearm at them and threatening to kill them.
With a known offense, Aggravated Assault Against a Public Servant, the Tactical Team was authorized to assist Merkel and Taylor County Sheriff's Office pursuant to mutual aid assistance.
The Tactical Team consists of the SWAT Team, Hostage Negotiations Team, and Abilene Fire Department Tactical Medics.
The suspect was identified as Garry Allyn Diltz, born 05-03-1963.
Diltz was alone inside the mobile home residence, which is located at 306 Lamar in Merkel.
Negotiations proved unsuccessful with the suspect. A search / arrest warrant was requested and signed by a local magistrate at approximately 3:30 a.m.
Thereafter, the SWAT Team deployed chemicals into the residence, trying to get the suspect to exit. Defense Technology brand 40mm OC and CS ferret rounds were used, in addition to Defense Technology flameless tri-chamber CS canisters.
The suspect refused to surrender. However, a fire began inside the residence that eventually forced the suspect to exit the back of the residence.
According to the Tactical Medic who was on scene, the suspect had suffered third degree burns over 50 percent of his body. He was immediately treated for his injuries and transported to Hendrick via ambulance.
Diltz was later taken to Lubbock's burn center for further treatment.
The Merkel Police Department and Taylor County Sheriff's Office are co-investigating this offense. Additionally, Abilene Fire investigators responded to assist the Merkel Volunteer Fire Department with determining the cause of the fire.
This investigation continues.
The Merkel man burned during a stand-off with law enforcement officers is in critical condition in a Lubbock hospital.
49-year-old Garry Allyn Diltz is being treated in the burn center at University Medical Center in Lubbock.
Diltz was captured early Monday when he ran out of his burning home.
Officers fired chemicals into the man's mobile home after a two-hour standoff following Diltz allegedly pointing a gun at a sheriff's officer and a Merkel police officer.
Police say he suffered third-degree burns over about 50 percent of his body.
Original Story
At 12:01 a.m. on Monday, November 12, the Abilene Police Department was contacted by the Merkel Police Department and asked to assist with a barricaded person who was threatening suicide.
The Tactical Team learned that the suspect had reportedly threatened a Merkel Police Officer and Taylor County Sheriff's Deputy by pointing a firearm at them and threatening to kill them.
With a known offense, Aggravated Assault Against a Public Servant, the Tactical Team was authorized to assist Merkel and Taylor County Sheriff's Office pursuant to mutual aid assistance.
The Tactical Team consists of the SWAT Team, Hostage Negotiations Team, and Abilene Fire Department Tactical Medics.
The suspect was identified as Garry Allyn Diltz, born 05-03-1963.
Diltz was alone inside the mobile home residence, which is located at 306 Lamar in Merkel.
Negotiations proved unsuccessful with the suspect. A search / arrest warrant was requested and signed by a local magistrate at approximately 3:30 a.m.
Thereafter, the SWAT Team deployed chemicals into the residence, trying to get the suspect to exit. Defense Technology brand 40mm OC and CS ferret rounds were used, in addition to Defense Technology flameless tri-chamber CS canisters.
The suspect refused to surrender. However, a fire began inside the residence that eventually forced the suspect to exit the back of the residence.
According to the Tactical Medic who was on scene, the suspect had suffered third degree burns over 50 percent of his body. He was immediately treated for his injuries and transported to Hendrick via ambulance.
Diltz was later taken to Lubbock's burn center for further treatment.
The Merkel Police Department and Taylor County Sheriff's Office are co-investigating this offense. Additionally, Abilene Fire investigators responded to assist the Merkel Volunteer Fire Department with determining the cause of the fire.
This investigation continues.
Comments
Garry Diltz is one of the sweetest persons Anyone could ever call a friend. He'd give you the shirt off his back if it was the last one he had and you needed it. The Merkle police department is well aquainted with Garry and knows he has seizures. Also I know he viewed Cora and Brokentail like his children, he raised both of them from puppies. Brokentail would let Garry know when he was going to have a seizure. This is such a tragedy. All he had to his name was that house and dogs. Now he's lost everything and will be scarred for life. Please don't let the Merkle Police Department respond to any event concerning me. I want to keep my life and posessions
Linda W.
March 6, 2013 at 11:40 pm
Garry Diltz is one of the sweetest persons Anyone could ever call a friend. He'd give you the shirt off his back if it was the last one he had and you needed it. The Merkle police department is well aquainted with Garry and knows he has seizures. Also I know he viewed Cora and Brokentail like his children, he raised both of them from puppies. Brokentail would let Garry know when he was going to have a seizure. This is such a tragedy. All he had to his name was that house and dogs. Now he's lost everything and will be scarred for life. Please don't let the Merkle Police Department respond to any event concerning me. I want to keep my life and posessions
Linda W.
March 6, 2013 at 11:39 pm
"No sir you may not harm yourslef within the confines of your home!!" "That is our job!!"
Shane C.
November 13, 2012 at 5:02 pm
