Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison After Two-Day Standoff in St. Michael

(Learfield News/St. Michael, MN) — A 41-year-old man has been sentenced to over 12 years in prison after a two-day standoff in St. Michael in 2022.

Brandon Gardas was convicted of one count each of attempted second-degree murder and illegal firearm possession.

Gardas was arrested in June 2022 after a nearly two-day standoff with police.

Officials say Gardas pulled a gun on a pastor and assaulted his wife. Due to two outstanding arrest warrants, police got a search warrant for his home. Gardas barricaded himself and his 13-year-old son in his home. His son was released soon after, but Gardas didn’t give up. He made threats to law enforcement and the surrounding neighborhood and fired rounds at an armored vehicle.

Gardas was eventually arrested and fired multiple shots at officers. An officer shot Gardas, hitting him in the chest.

Authorities found multiple handguns, rifles, and over 12,400 rounds of ammunition in the home.