Crime & Safety

3 Officers Honored for Bravery During Hostage Situation

Police officer Brandon Ernst and deputies Charlene Craft and Bryan Skaar were awarded the Citation of Valor by Police Chief Russell Jack during Tuesday night's Common Council meeting.

Two Waukesha County deputies and one Waukesha police officer were honored by Waukesha Police Chief Russell Jack for their role in rescuing a hostage from a suicidal man, Gibson P. Martin, who later violently charged at police with a knife, according to authorities.

Police officer Brandon Ernst and deputies Charlene Craft and Bryan Skaar were awarded the Citation of Valor by Jack during Tuesday night’s Common Council meeting.

“The actions of the officers and deputies demonstrated the highest level of bravery, courage and teamwork while in the line of duty,” Jack said. “Their actions were courageous as demonstrated by their willingness to stand their ground while the knife-wielding suspect posed an eminent threat to their lives and defend the lives of fellow officers and citizens.”

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Gibson P. Martin’s case in Waukesha County Circuit Court is still pending after he was accused of violently slashing knives while charging at the officers. Martin was shot by police during the incident, but he survived to face a felony charge.

Gibson admitted he was attempting to commit suicide by cop, according to a criminal complaint filed against him.

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