(NEWTON, Iowa) Police took a man into custody after a nearly seven-hour standoff ended peacefully in Newton this (Wednesday) morning.
The standoff began shortly before 1:00 a.m. when officers went to 1330 East 12th Street North to find 31-year-old Brandon James, who had several outstanding arrest warrants for First degree Burglary and Probation Violation.
Officers were told by others in the residence that James was there. James then barricaded himself in a bedroom, and threatened to harm himself with a weapon.
James surrendered at 7:40 a.m. and was taken to a local hospital for a mental evaluation.
Police say the Burglary 1st Degree warrant stems from on incident late in the evening of January 22nd, at an apartment at 1453 N 11th Ave E. James is accused of forcing his way into the apartment after a dispute with the 25 year old male resident. He's also accused of assaulting the victim with a broom handle, causing injuries and damage to property in the apartment. Further charges are pending.
Members of the Newton Police Department, Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, and Newton Fire Department assisted with resolving the incident.