By MICHAEL SCHAFFER
The Oskaloosa Herald
OSKALOOSA
October 02, 2008 02:41 pm
—
For approximately two hours Wednesday afternoon, members of the Oskaloosa Police Department were actively trying to talk Jay D. Mitchell, 31, down from the roof of the apartment house where he lives at 113 N. Fourth St., which borders A Avenue East.
According to the police call for service record, officers were informed around 2 p.m. to Mitchell’s presence on the roof. By 4 p.m., Mitchell was talked down and transported to Mahaska Health Partnership by Mahaska County Ambulance.
Oskaloosa Police Chief John “Jake” McGee said no officers were injured during the standoff.
Oskaloosa Police Department Lt. Troy Boston spent a good portion of the two hours standing in the front yard looking up at Mitchell, who was positioned on the roof above the front porch, leaving him 10 to 15 feet off the ground. Mahaska County Sheriff’s deputies assisted at the scene.
Eventually, police cars blocked vehicle traffic on North Fourth Street at High Avenue and at B Avenue. Those watching the proceedings were told to retreat back to the perimeter.
The service record indicates one tense moment when Mitchell punched several windows, then picked up one large shard of glass while bleeding from his hand.
McGee said Mitchell was distraught because of family matters. According to the service record, Mitchell was acting strange and threatened to harm two people.
Herald City Editor Michael Schaffer can be reached by email at mschaffer@oskyherald.com
Copyright © 1999-2010 cnhi, inc.
Photos
The Oskaloosa Herald