Gregory Yetman manhunt: FBI SWAT teams and police search for January 6 riot suspect after he fled through New Jersey woods — while schools are warned to shelter in place
- Authorities are hunting for Gregory Yetman, 46
- The search began around 9 a.m. Wednesday in Helmetta
- Local schools hid because they were told he might be armed
Authorities were scouring New Jersey woods for a man wanted on charges related to the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.
The search for 46-year-old Gregory Yetman began around 9 a.m. on Main Street in Helmetta as police attempted to execute a warrant.
The FBI described him as a white man in his 40s wearing a red jacket and cap.
Yetman fled to a wooded area, according to officials, who said he may have been armed.
Spotswood Public Schools remained in place and local streets were closed.
A manhunt was underway for 46-year-old Gregory Yetman on Wednesday morning. The New Jersey man is wanted in connection with the January 6 riot at the Capitol
The FBI described him as a white man in his 40s wearing a red jacket and cap
Yetman was previously depicted in images released by the FBI, where he is seen holding a pepper spray canister
Tactical teams could be seen in the backyards of houses. Aerial footage showed law enforcement officers searching Yetman’s backyard and a shed.
The 46-year-old is wanted in connection with the January 6 riot at the US Capitol.
In a desperate plea to name the man, photos showing a glimpse of his face circulated online.
Another image showed him wearing a face mask and holding a can of pepper spray.
Although the charges he faces are unclear, Yetman was labeled “#278 AFO” by the FBI before his identity was unmasked.
‘AFO’ stands for ‘Assault on a Federal Officer.’
At the time of the insurrection, he was a military police sergeant in the New Jersey National Guard.
He remained in office until he was honorably discharged in March 2022.
Yetman was a military police sergeant in the New Jersey National Guard at the time of the uprising
He remained in office until he was honorably discharged in March 2022
The manhunt began around 9 a.m. on November 8, when authorities tried to serve Yetman with a warrant for his arrest
According to police, the 46-year-old then fled to a wooded area
Although his charges are unknown, Yetman was identified by the FBI as “#278 AFO” before his name was released. ‘AFO’ stands for ‘Assault on a Federal Officer’
On his LinkedIn, Yetman describes himself as “Experienced Military Police with a proven history of working in the military industry.”
He insisted in an interview with USA TODAY in March that he “did nothing wrong” at the Capitol and “didn’t pepper spray anyone.”
More than 780 people have been charged with federal crimes related to the January 6 riot. More than 280 have pleaded guilty, mostly to felonies.
Yetman posted to Facebook in January 2017, showing he was at the Capitol the day before former President Trump’s election.
“I watch the pre-match festivities. Tomorrow will be a crazy day, but a great day,” he wrote.