Armed barricade in Urbana ends peacefully after seven-hour standoff with SWAT

CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, a high-risk arrest operation in Urbana concluded safely after a tense, hours-long standoff involving multiple law enforcement agencies and SWAT teams.

Urbana Police Department detectives attempted to serve an arrest warrant for aggravated robbery to 26-year-old Jaliqwon Robertson in the 200 block of South Lynn Street. Upon contact, Robertson fled into a third-floor apartment occupied by a 23-year-old female acquaintance. Once inside, he threatened officers with violence if they attempted to enter.

Due to Robertson’s known violent history and the immediacy of the threat, detectives withdrew and activated the METRO SWAT team. The operation was further complicated by extreme heat, prompting additional support from the Champaign SWAT team to ensure prolonged officer safety and operational support.

Law enforcement swiftly secured the area and evacuated nearby residents to protect the public. METRO SWAT negotiators engaged with Robertson, treating the incident as a barricade situation involving a potential hostage.

After approximately seven hours of negotiations, Robertson peacefully surrendered. The female occupant exited the apartment unharmed. A subsequent search of the apartment revealed dismantled firearm components and firearm accessories.

Robertson was taken into custody on the outstanding warrant and may face additional charges pending the ongoing investigation.

The Urbana Police Department extended gratitude to supporting agencies including the Champaign Police Department, Arrow Ambulance, Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District, Ameren Services, and METCAD-911.

The METRO SWAT team involved in the operation includes personnel from Urbana Police, Champaign County Sheriff’s Office, University of Illinois Police, Rantoul Police, and Mahomet Police.

Anyone with further information is encouraged to contact Urbana Police at 217-384-2320. Anonymous tips may be submitted to Crime Stoppers by phone at 217-373-TIPS (8477), online at 373tips.com, or via the “P3 Tips” mobile app.