A routine warrant arrest turned into a SWAT-team operation at The Landing at Mansfield apartment complex located behind SuperTarget. Many Legacy students reside at the apartment complex, including junior Kale Gordon, who wishes he could simply go home.
“I’m a little frustrated because I just want to go home and relax,” Gordon said. “And I can’t do that.”
The suspect’s name is Mark Mercer, a 49 year old man that lives at The Landing. Mercer served in the US Army and now works for an international security firm. He has warrants for domestic violence and injury to a child.
Mansfield police arrived at Mercer’s apartment around 10 a.m. on Thursday, attempting to arrest him for his outstanding warrants. It is reported that the officers recognized Mercer had a gun and retreated to safety. A SWAT team was ordered to surround the area. Gordon feels disappointed that the man had to create a problem in his community.
“I’m just annoyed that he had the nerve to do this where people live,” Gordon said. “He could of gone to like a low profile place instead of ruining everyones plans.”
The Landing resident Rachuel Jennings feels upset that her daily routine has been interrupted.
“I’ll probably have to wash my clothes wherever I am tonight,” Jennings said. “And then go right to work tomorrow in the same clothes.”
Bus operations to the apartment complex were halted as the situation was still ongoing. Students that live at the apartments, mostly from Alice Ponder Elementary, Mary Jo Sheppard Elementary, Donna Shepard Intermediate, Jobe Middle, and Legacy High, were required to either wait on campus for their parents to pick them up or find a place to stay until the situation cleared. Gordon hopes the condition will settle peacefully so he can return home.
“I hope no harm to him and I hope the police can get him to surrender peacefully,” Gordon said.
CBS 11 reporter Joel Thomas contributed to this report.
