Newton man in custody after 8-hour standoff with law enforcement

Law enforcement officials yesterday were in an eight-hour standoff with a 26-year-old Newton man, which ultimately ended in a peaceful surrender.

Newton Police Department responded to a home in the 700 block of West 11th Street South at approximately 2:30 p.m. March 26 to assist the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office in serving a court committal order on Jacob Showalter. Upon entering, law enforcement learned he threatened the other occupants.

According to the press release from Newton Police Department, Showalter had taken a large knife from the kitchen and barricaded himself in an upstairs bedroom where firearms were accessible to him. He threatened self-harm and suicide by cop while brandishing the knife out the upstairs window.

Crisis negotiators and mental health professionals responded to assist law enforcement with the standoff. Many attempts were made to communicate with Showalter, but he was unwilling to cooperate. After several hours of unsuccessful negotiations, tactical units deployed non-lethal gas into the residence.

Shortly after, Showalter surrendered and was taken into custody without incident at around 11:17 p.m. He was later transported to Jasper County Jail and charged with first-degree harassment (aggravated misdemeanor) and interference with official acts while displaying a dangerous weapon (Class D felony).

Newton Police Department was assisted by members of the Newton Police Department Tactical Team and K9 Unit, Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, Central Iowa Regional Tactical Team, Newton Fire Department and Jasper County Emergency Management.