Beryl Stand-off Results in Arrest

On Sunday (1/5/25) just after 5pm, dispatch received a report concerning a weapon offense in progress in Beryl. A property owner, indicated that 65-year-old John Gorecki had made threats to shoot him while accusing him of theft.

The property owner explained that Gorecki was residing in a motorhome on his land and owed $100 monthly rent for the space. The property owner reported encountering Gorecki while on his way to work. Gorecki appeared disoriented and mentioned that he was searching for the water station. During this interaction, Gorecki confronted the property owner with accusations of stealing Alka-Seltzer. The property owner denied these claims, which escalated the situation.

The property owner informed Gorecki that he wished him to vacate the premises, officially evicting him. In response, Gorecki became highly agitated and threatened the property owner and his girlfriend, brandishing a handgun from his waistband and pointing it at the property owner, who, in fear for his life, departed the scene.

Concerned for his girlfriend's safety, the property owner returned to his property and requested that she leave with him, but she declined. The property owner then left the scene to attend to his employment obligations.

Upon arrival, deputies established a perimeter around Gorecki's motorhome.  For approximately two hours, deputies continued to request his compliance, though he offered no response. Given the threats made and the presence of a firearm, the Iron Metro SWAT team was deployed to the scene.

Once SWAT arrived, they took control of the situation and instructed Gorecki to exit the motorhome.  In response to the prolonged standoff, SWAT broke several windows and deployed CS gas, confirming visually that Gorecki was inside the motorhome. Despite ongoing commands for him to surrender, Gorecki remained uncooperative.

Consequently, SWAT utilized a 40mm non-lethal projectile, which struck Gorecki in the forearm. He subsequently exited the trailer and was taken into custody without further incident or injury.  Following his apprehension, Gorecki was transported to Cedar City Hospital for evaluation due to exposure to CS gas and being struck by a non-lethal projectile.

Upon medical clearance, he was transferred to the Iron County Correctional Facility, where he was booked on multiple charges, including aggravated assault, interference with a peace officer, threatening violence, failure to obey an officer, and possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person.