Hunter (updated)
02/26/21
A standoff that led to businesses being evacuated and residents told to remain indoors was resolved peacefully in North Liberty Thursday night.
A news release that came out at 5:15pm said that North Liberty police officers were called to locate a suicidal man believed to possess weapons yesterday afternoon. A vehicular pursuit ensued, ending several miles later when officers used devices to stop the vehicle, and the man, who has now been identified in arrest reports as 38-year-old Jason Brazao of Montgomery Village Maryland, allegedly fled on foot.
Johnson County deputies reported that Brazao was armed with a 9mm handgun and reportedly fired six shots into the side of a building and in the officers’ direction, but no injuries were reported.
Police set up a perimeter around the 300 block of Cherry Street, where they believed Brazao was barricaded inside a business where no other people were present. Businesses nearby were evacuated and residents in the area were warned to stay indoors. Brazao allegedly consumed adult beverages that belonged to the business while barricaded inside.
At around 6:30, another release from North Liberty Communications Director Nick Bergus indicated that the situation had been peacefully resolved.
Brazao was taken to the Johnson County Jail. He’s charged with Carrying Weapons, 2nd Degree Burglary, Intimidation with a Dangerous Weapon, Assault with a Weapon involving a Peace Officer, Interference with Official Acts using a Dangerous Weapon, and Eluding. If convicted on all counts, Brazao could be sentenced to up to 28 years in prison.