Boardman police engaged in a standoff on Thanksgiving Day after a man broke into an apartment complex on Aravesta Ave.

Police say Gregory Direnzo, 35, was under GPS surveillance starting October 4, but then cut off his ankle bracelet on October 25.

The male victim told police that he saw Direnzo in the back yard but he eventually made it into the apartment and began banging on the victim's door irately telling him he was "with his girl." 

Police say upon arrival to the scene, Direnzo was ordered to get on the ground and put his hands up. Direnzo retreated upstairs slamming the front door behind him and locking it.

Police say they heard banging coming from upstairs that sounded as if Direnzo was kicking in a door. Once officers determined which unit Direnzo was in, officers advised Direnzo he was under arrest and ordered him to come out of the unit with his hands up.

Direnzo then attempted to disguise his voice stating "my husband is in the other room sleeping" and further stated he was scared to open the door because he was scared he was going to get hurt because of "everything going on with the world and the police."

Police say after continued orders to come out with his hands up, Direnzo began to aggressively yell stating he was "ready to die tonight." 

Police say Direnzo went on to state that he would not come out unless police called his parents along with several other parties, as well as allegedly threatening to commit suicide when he began barricading a door stating that he was going to make officers shoot him and asked them to shoot him in the head.

Based on this statement, as well as the belief that Direnzo was armed, officers declared the situation as a standoff. All residents were evacuated from the apartment complex.

In addition, Dominion Gas was called to shut off all gas in the apartment and the Boardman Fire Department and Lane Medics were both called to the scene to stand by. 

Boardman Police Department Hostage Negotiator, Sgt. Patton was also called to the scene to assist. During Patton's conversation with Direnzo, Direnzo eventually admitted that he had a large butchers knife and requested Patton to get someone on the phone so he could tell her goodbye as he is going to die tonight.

Police noted that Direnzo experienced frequent mood swings going from speaking calmly to officers while refusing to come out to screaming and yelling. 

A flash bang grenade was then deployed in the front yard as a warning for Direnzo to surrender, but he still did not do so. A canister of tear gas was then deployed into the unit, which caused Direnzo to surrender at approximately 2:07 a.m. He was then placed under arrest.

Officers then cleared the apartment and found no victims or additional suspects.

The victim told police he knew Direnzo from him coming into his father's roofing company and bringing him along on roofing jobs when there was extra work for him.

The victim later learned of Direnzo's previous charges and evasion from GPS tracking. The victim was told that Drienzo had a warrant and to stay away. 

Once Direnzo was handcuffed, he went unconscious and was transported to Mercy Health Boardman hospital for evaluation and treatment. 

Direnzo was transported to the Mahoning County Jail at approximately 6:50 a.m. after treatment and was charged with Burglary, Obstructing Official Business, Resisting Arrest and Inducing Panic in addition to his Parole Violation warrant. 

Direnzo has a hearing scheduled in the Mahoning County Court #2 - Boardman Area Court on Tuesday at 8:30 a.m.