GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.-- Police are still searching for 26 year old Brian Heard who was the target of a major police response on the city's northeast side on Friday.
A home in the 400 block of Cedar Street was surrounded for hours with authorities believing he was inside. Heard was not inside the home and is still wanted following a domestic violence situation that played out in the same home last night.
All of this stemmed from a domestic situation occurring Thursday night, but the victim did not report it until Friday. It was when police tried to make contact with the suspect that things took a turn.
"There is a domestic situation last night, an assault took place, the victim reported it today, a warrant was sought and officers spotted him in that same area where that occurred, a short foot pursuit took place and we believe he barricaded himself in that same home" said Sgt. Cathy Williams from Grand Rapids Police.
This happening just after 1:00 pm on Friday afternoon. Police surrounded the home on the 400 block of Cedar Street NE in Grand Rapids while trying to open communication with Heard.
"We have our SWAT team, patrol personnel and our negotiation team that is there trying to convince him to come out" said Williams. "He has several warrants and is considered armed and dangerous. He has warrants for unlawful imprisonment, strangulation, domestic assault situations and interfering with 911 communications."
Just after 5:00 pm on Friday, a search warrant was signed giving police access to the home. After searching the home, police discovered Heard was no longer inside.
"We did enter the home after a search warrant was signed and we did not find the subject inside" said Williams. "The subject right now is currently outstanding. His name is Brian Heard. He is a black male, 26 years old, 5'9, 220 pounds and we do consider him armed and dangerous."
Heard has a violent history including firearms charges. That combined with Thursday night's assault on his girlfriend, police urge those living in the area to be vigilant.
"If anyone sees him or has contact with him, we encourage you to call Silent Observer or contact our non-emergency line so we can follow up on those leads" said Williams.
If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Brian Heard contact Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or the non-emergency line at 616-456-3400.
