A woman and her grandson in Portland, Oregon, have shared their harrowing experience during a standoff in their apartment complex on Thursday night. The incident involved a man wanted for a homicide on December 14, who engaged in gunfire with the police. The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Jessie Garza, was eventually arrested following the four-hour standoff.

Judy Christensen, 75, and her grandson, Sebastian, described the fear and chaos that unfolded around them as shots were fired next door. Sebastian recounted how he quickly instructed his grandmother and his uncle's girlfriend to take cover on the ground until they could find safety. They anxiously waited in the hallway, unsure of what would happen next.

Meanwhile, inside the neighboring apartment, which was subsequently boarded up, the suspect, Jessie Garza, was resisting arrest. After police located Garza, he ran inside the apartment and began firing at the officers, leading to the lengthy standoff. Judy Christensen, reflecting on the terrifying ordeal, expressed her disbelief at having to crawl on her hands and knees at her age due to the risk of bullets flying.

Authorities eventually evacuated Judy, her grandson, and residents of another nearby apartment to a secured area across the street in a Fred Meyer parking lot. Concerns about stray bullets penetrating the walls prompted the evacuation. Hours passed as they waited anxiously for Garza's surrender. Ultimately, the standoff concluded when Garza was taken into custody by the police.

Judy Christensen spoke about her fears during the incident, mentioning how, at her age, she never expected to have to worry about personal safety in such a manner. She reflected on the possibility of being struck by a bullet and shared her recurring nightmares about getting shot. She expressed gratitude for eventually making it through the traumatic experience unharmed.

The police had been seeking Jessie Garza for his alleged involvement in the murder of Richard Newman, which occurred approximately a mile away from the standoff location. Garza now faces multiple charges, including murder, coercion, and burglary. Newman's brother, in an interview with KATU, stated that he did not believe his brother knew Garza.

This terrifying night in the Centennial neighborhood of Portland serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can unexpectedly affect a community. The bravery and resilience displayed by Judy Christensen and her grandson, as well as the swift actions taken by law enforcement, highlight the importance of safety and cooperation during such unsettling circumstances.