Suspect identified following standoff near Sumner-Fredericksburg High School; one dead, one injured

SUMNER, Iowa (KCRG) - On Friday, an incident near Sumner-Fredericksburg High School is over after law enforcement officials in Bremer County had previously asked people to avoid the area.

At approximately 7:30 am, Sumner Police were dispatched to the 200 block of W 6th Street. Upon arrival, multiple gunshots were heard coming from behind the residence. Shortly thereafter, a 58-year-old female approached police from the side of the house with multiple gunshot wounds. She was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of her injuries.

Officials say 65-year-old Bruce Kuhlmann barricaded himself in the home with a firearm and refused orders to put it down. Additional law enforcement agencies responded to the scene to assist and set up a perimeter around the residence.

Sumner-Fredericksburg Community Schools had canceled classes for Friday due to the situation.

Kuhlmann reportedly fired multiple shots in the air and continued to refuse law enforcement’s requests for him to drop his weapon. Officials attempted to negotiate with Kuhlmann for over four hours.

KCRG-TV9 crews witnessed police throw tear gas into the windows of the home.

Police reported that the situation ended after Kuhlmann took his own life.

The Sumner Public Library said it is remaining open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to serve as a safe space for anyone displaced by the law enforcement situation.

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