Lang
10/16/22
A transient faces charges that he threatened two Louisa County residents, then held off police during an armed standoff.
That’s according to the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office, which reports receiving a call just before 4pm Saturday that 37-year-old Jacob Strause had been leaving voicemails threatening to kill the caller and another resident at an address in Elrick Junction, southeast of Wapello. Minutes later, Strause reportedly arrived at the residence and tried to kick in the door. The sheriff’s office says when that was unsuccessful, Strause entered a nearby garage, which was quickly surrounded by arriving deputies. Strause reportedly remained inside, threatening violence against law enforcement.
Deputies say Strause was armed with multiple firearms.
While negotiations continued, nearby residents were asked to leave their homes until the situation was resolved.
Just before 6:00 Saturday night Strause was called out of the garage by loud speaker and peacefully surrendered his weapons. He was arrested and charged with 1st Degree Harassment, an Aggravated Misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of two years in jail. Further charges are pending.
The Louisa County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Columbus Junction Police Department, Wapello Fire and Rescue, the Wapello Ambulance Service and bystanders near the event.