Robbery suspect arrested after holding woman hostage in police stand-off

URBANA, Ill. (WAND) - What started as an attempt to serve an aggravated robbery warrant ended in a woman being held hostage in a police stand-off that lasted hours.

On Tuesday, Urbana police tried to serve a warrant for aggravated robbery in the 200 block of South Lynn St. Officers made contact with the suspect, 26-year-old Jaliqwon Robertson.

Police said Robertson ran into a third-floor apartment with a 23-year-old woman he knew inside. UPD said he threatened violence towards officers if they tried to enter.

"Due to Robertson's violent history and the immediate nature of the threat, detectives withdrew and activated the METRO SWAT team, Urbana police said.

Police said the stand-off lasted hours and was complicated by the heat. Champaign SWAT was called out to provide additional help.

After seven hours of negotiations, Robertson peacefully surrendered. The woman also came out of the apartment safely.

When officers searched the apartment they said they found parts of a dismantled gun and gun accessories.

Robertson was taken into custody on the outstanding aggravated robbery warrant. He could face additional charges in relation to the standoff.