Whitewater Police Chief Dan Meyer in a press release Monday stated that his department is searching for a potentially armed gunman, who, after an incident on Sunday, remains at large.

According to the release, 18-year-old Whitewater resident Yefferson Guzman Rodrequez is alleged to have held a female acquaintance against her will for multiple days, and held a gun to her head.

Police received a report that a female needed assistance Sunday at 10:23 a.m.

According to information received by police, the female needed assistance at 363 S. Janesville St.

“It is believed that Guzman Rodriguez fled from the residence upon arrival of officers. It was reported that he was armed at that time, and had potentially barricaded himself in a detached garage or in the basement of the residence,” police stated in the release.

Guzman Rodriguez is described as 5’8” tall, 150 pounds, and he is a Spanish speaker, the release noted.

Within the release, police report that Guzman Rodriguez had allegedly made comments to the victim about a willingness to harm law enforcement.

Officers set a perimeter around the residence and garage.

The Walworth County Sheriff’s Office SWAT and Beloit Police Department SWAT teams assisted in the search of the property, after which the subject was not found, the release stated, noting that the Whitewater Police simultaneously searched multiple residences occupied by individuals known to the suspect without locating him.

“At this time Guzman Rodriguez is still at large and is considered to be armed. He reportedly possesses multiple rifles. Guzman Rodriguez is wanted for the following crimes: Kidnapping, False Imprisonment, Recklessly Endangering Safety, Intentionally Point Firearm at Person, and Disorderly Conduct,” the release read. 

Additionally, the release noted: “Whitewater Police have been in contact with staff from the Whitewater Unified School District as well as the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Police so that appropriate security measures can be put in place.”

Police have asked the public for help.

Residents who see something suspicious are asked to contact the Whitewater Police Department immediately at 262-473-0555 option #4. Call 911 in an emergency. Anonymous tips may be shared using P3Tips.com.

“It is noted that this case has not been concluded. Unless a judgment of conviction is entered, the defendant is presumed innocent of all charges,” the release stated.