Update from July 6 Situation

​Thanks to the quick action of law enforcement agencies from Poweshiek and neighboring counties, a tense situation on South 3rd Street in Montezuma ended peaceful on Saturday evening, July 6. 
 
The situation unfolded when Poweshiek County Deputy Jonathan Cheney went to 816 S. 3rd St., Montezuma, regarding an arrest warrant from Mahaska County for Dennis J. Bunn Jr.
 
According to Poweshiek County Sheriff Tom Kriegel, when Deputy Cheney arrived at the residence, Bunn ran back into the house and barricaded himself inside.
 
When family members cautioned officers that Bunn may have weapons, Sheriff Kriegel said officers backed away from the situation and the perimeter around the house was secured. Neighboring houses that were occupied were also evacuated at that time.
 
During the ordeal, Sheriff Kriegel said he and the officers learned that a chest located on the porch roof may contain a shotgun.
 
“Deputies threw a rope around the chest and were able to pull it off the roof,” said Sheriff Kriegel. “When it hit the ground, (it broke apart) reveling a shotgun and knives.”
 
Deputies were able to secure the weapons. 
 
During on-going communication with Bunn, officers became concerned about his health and welfare. 
 
“We were concerned about him and went in a got him out of the house,” said Sheriff Kriegel. “We were really fearful for him the way he was acting.”
 
According to Sheriff Kriegel, Bunn had barricaded himself in an upstairs bathroom. He had nailed the door to the upstairs shut and also the door to the bathroom. Deputies had to break through both doors to reach him.
 
Kriegel said Bunn was taken to the hospital in Mahaska County before being transported to the Mahaska County Jail.
 
Law enforcement officials on scene included two Iowa County Sheriff’s Deputies, a Williamsburg Police Department officer, an officer from the Oskaloosa Police Department, Mahaska County Sheriff Russell Van Renterghem and a deputy, as well as several officers with the Iowa Highway Patrol. Joining Sheriff Kriegel and Deputy Cheney where Deputy Doug Kies and Chief Deputy Joel VanderLeest.
 
The Journal reached out to the Mahaska County Sheriff, but has not heard back at this time.