Photo: Des Moines Police Department
(Des Moines) -- A traffic stop led to an overnight standoff on the south side of Des Moines. Police say the incident began around 10 p.m. Tuesday when officers pulled over 41-year-old Tyler Watsabaugh for an equipment violation.
Watsabaugh fled the scene, leading officers on a car chase before barricading himself inside his family home in the 4500 block of Southeast 15th Street.
“He was very erratic—making homicidal and suicidal statements—and was threatening to stab officers if they tried to approach him,” said Sergeant Paul Parizek of the Des Moines Police Department.
According to police, Watsabaugh armed himself with a makeshift spear fashioned from a pole with a pair of scissors taped to the end. Fortunately, his family was able to evacuate the home safely before the situation escalated.
“After about seven hours, we decided we needed to take action to protect him and allow the family to return home, so we deployed our tactical unit,” Parizek said.
Toward the end of the standoff, police deployed tear gas in an effort to draw Watsabaugh out. The residence caught fire shortly afterward but was quickly extinguished by the Des Moines Fire Department. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The family has been displaced while the home undergoes repairs and cleanup.
“There was already going to be a delay getting them back into the home due to the tear gas cleanup, and now they’re also dealing with fire damage. It’s been a rough night for them, but we’re going to support them through this the best we can,” Parizek added.
Police believe Watsabaugh was under the influence of methamphetamine at the time of his arrest. He also had an outstanding warrant from Oregon and is now being held at the Polk County Jail.
Watsabaugh faces charges of eluding, interference with official acts with a weapon, and multiple traffic violations.