Cedar Rapids Police Standoff Ends Peacefully

By Christy Aumer, Reporter

(KCRG/The Gazette)

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By Aaron Hepker

Story Created: Aug 31, 2012 at 2:42 PM CDT

Story Updated: Aug 31, 2012 at 4:30 PM CDT

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - A situation that prompted police to draw their guns and shut down a street in northeast Cedar Rapids has apparently been resolved safely.

Several police officers responded shortly before 2 p.m. to a townhouse at 260 Northview Place NE for a report of a suicidal subject, according to Officer Melissa Henderson, police spokeswoman. Henderson said the department’s SWAT team and negotiators were headed to the scene. She was unsure if there had been any contact with the person inside.

At least seven police vehicles were on the scene. Northland Avenue NE, a heavily traveled road between Collins and Blairs Ferry roads, was closed to traffic.

Around 2:50 p.m., a man came out of the townhouse with his hands up and was taken into custody by police.

"We had question come up as to the safety of the individual and we had to ensure his safety, his neighbors safety and his family and friends as well," Lt. Jerry Potter said. "Fortunately we were able to talk to him, he became very cooperative, he did exactly what we asked."

According to Rockwell Collins Child Development Center employee Angela Pffifner, the nearby center was under lock down, allowing nobody in or out during the standoff.

The man was later transported to St. Luke's hospital, and no weapons were found in the townhouse, officials said. "There were no criminal charges, no injuries -- so it’s a very good day," Potter said.