The Northern Illinois Police Alarm System Emergency Response Team responds to resolve a standoff between an armed man who allegedly entered a residence in the 3400 block of Florida Avenue in Gurnee and assaulted a child Tuesday evening. | Photo: Tyler McCasland

A SWAT team arrested an armed man and police rescued several children after the man allegedly entered a residence in Gurnee and battered a child, leading to a standoff.

The Gurnee Police Department responded around 9:45 p.m. Tuesday to the 3400 block of Florida Avenue in Gurnee for a report of a domestic dispute.

Gurnee Police Department Public Information Officer Shawn Gaylor said initial reports indicated a 13-year-old boy had been assaulted by his uncle.

The uncle was identified as Maurice L Freeman, 43, of Zion.

Gaylor said Freeman entered the residence without permission while the child’s mother was at work.

Maurice L Freeman, 43, of Zion.

Officers were informed that Freeman, who was allegedly armed with a knife, was inside the residence making threats against the family.

The children locked themselves in a second-story bedroom and in a daring rescue, officers assisted the children out of the home through the second-story window, leaving Freeman alone inside, Gaylor said.

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Officers made several attempts to communicate with Freeman but they were unable to establish contact.

Due to the escalating threat, the Gurnee Police Department requested the Northern Illinois Police Alarm System Emergency Response Team (NIPAS ERT), Gaylor said.

The Northern Illinois Police Alarm System Emergency Response Team responds to resolve a standoff between an armed man who allegedly entered a residence in the 3400 block of Florida Avenue in Gurnee and assaulted a child Tuesday evening. | Photo: Tyler McCasland

NIPAS deployed a drone into the residence to identify Freeman’s location and attempt to see any potential weapons.

Freeman was later taken into custody by the SWAT team.

“The collaboration between the Gurnee Police Department and NIPAS highlights the importance of coordinated efforts in ensuring public safety,” Gaylor said.

The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved charges of criminal trespass to residence, two counts of domestic battery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, resisting arrest and obstructing a peace officer.