Authorities in Helmetta, New Jersey are searching for Gregory Yetman, a suspect in the January 6th attack on the US Capitol. Yetman fled as FBI agents approached his home. The FBI and other law enforcement agencies are involved in the search. It is unclear what charges Yetman faces in connection with the attack. Associated Press reported
Manhunt Underway for Capitol Attack Suspect in New Jersey Neighborhood
HELMETTA, N.J. (AP) — Authorities are currently conducting a search operation in a central New Jersey neighborhood on Thursday to apprehend a suspect involved in the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6th. The individual, identified as Gregory Yetman, managed to flee from FBI agents who were approaching his residence.
According to the FBI, Yetman is wanted in connection with the assault on the U.S. Capitol. However, specific charges related to the attack have not been disclosed yet.
In a statement released on Thursday morning, the FBI’s Newark office stated, “We will be in the area staging until Yetman is arrested.” A command center has been established at the local community center to coordinate the search efforts.
The FBI is collaborating with state, county, and local law enforcement agencies to track down Yetman.
The mayor of Helmetta, Christopher Slavicek, informed the New York Times that the search operation commenced at 8 a.m. on Wednesday when FBI agents arrived to arrest Yetman. However, he managed to flee and disappeared into the nearby woods.
As the search for the suspect progresses, there is a palpable sense of heightened anxiety in and around the Helmetta area, with helicopters conducting aerial searches at treetop level and various law enforcement agencies actively patrolling the roads, according to the mayor.
According to a report by USA Today earlier this year, Gregory Yetman, a former military police sergeant in the New Jersey National Guard, had been interviewed by the FBI regarding his involvement in the riot. He is suspected of using pepper spray against both protesters and police officers during the incident. However, Yetman denies any wrongdoing and claims he did not use pepper spray.
Since the Capitol riot, approximately 1,200 individuals have been charged with federal crimes related to the attack. Out of these, more than 800 have either pleaded guilty or been convicted by a jury or judge after trial. Over 700 individuals have already been sentenced, with around two-thirds of them receiving prison terms ranging from three days to 22 years.
.