Council Bluffs Police Respond to Armed Man in a Church

(Council Bluffs) On September 2, 2024, at approximately 12:04 PM, Council Bluffs Police Officers responded to 300 S 9th St for a male party who had walked into a church armed with a long gun and a handgun. The male party was experiencing a mental health crisis. At the time of the incident, no services were going on, and the few occupants in the church exited, leaving the male alone.

Arriving officers contacted the male, and a negotiator established a line of communication with him. A perimeter was established around the immediate area of the incident. The roadways were shut down to all traffic, and neighbors were advised to shelter in place.

After one hour of negotiation with the male, he surrendered to the police. The male was detained and transported to the hospital for a mental evaluation.

There were no injuries. At this time, the name of the male party is being withheld from release due to this being a mental health issue. He will be cited for discharging a firearm within the city limits and for disorderly conduct.