CHARITON, Iowa — More details are being released about what prompted the lockdown of a Chariton neighborhood and local schools Wednesday.
A joint statement from the Chariton Police Department and the Chariton Community School District says the incident began around noon when a homeowner in the 800 block of North 13th intentionally damaged a gas line.
When crews from Alliant Energy arrived to fix it, the homeowner became aggressive. Police then got unconfirmed reports of a gunshot in that area.
They locked down schools in the area as a precaution.
Police say the resident became increasingly more aggressive as the standoff progressed and at one point even pointed a rifle at police. Police were able to arrest the homeowner and end the standoff shortly before 7:00 p.m.
Officials have not released the man’s name or any charges he may be facing at this time.