On Tuesday, November 16, at approximately 2:33am, the Marshalltown Police Department responded to a private residence in the 900 block of South 3rd Avenue to check the welfare of an adult male who was reportedly feeling suicidal and was armed. Police responded to this location after receiving a request for assistance from a crisis line service.
Uniformed police officers attempted to contact the subject of the welfare check and were immediately threatened with a firearm. The male subject refused to communicate with officers and made statements about shooting police officers. Crisis negotiators were on scene and made immediate efforts to de-escalate the situation. Law enforcement also had an obligation to set up a perimeter around this area to protect the well-being and safety of neighbors and the general public. This area in the 900 block of South 3rd Avenue is directly adjacent to the Marshalltown Community School District administration offices, Marshalltown Learning Academy, and Anson Elementary. Law enforcement consulted with the school district early on about this emergency and the potential danger to the neighborhood. It was determined the best course of action would be to delay the start of the school day for the school buildings in this neighborhood. The subject of this investigation subsequently exited his home and was take in to custody at 6:00am. By that time, it was too late to reverse the decision to delay the start of the school day for the school buildings affected by this incident.
Following a thorough investigation of this incident, the Marshalltown Police Department arrested Craig Daniel Maggard, age 34, of Marshalltown. Maggard has been charged with the following offenses.
- Assault on a Police Officer While Displaying a Dangerous Weapon (D Felony)
- Harassment 1st Degree (Aggravated Misdemeanor)
- Possession of a Controlled Substance – Schedule IV (Serious Misdemeanor)
- Possession of Controlled Substance - Schedule I (Serious Misdemeanor)
- Dominion or Control of Firearm/Offensive Weapon by Domestic Abuse Offender-Prohibited Person (D Felony)
Maggard was arrested on November 16 at 2:39pm. He was taken to the Marshall County Jail and held pending an initial court appearance.
In 2021 the Marshalltown Police Department has responded to 802 welfare check requests. The police department carefully reviews all of these requests to determine whether or not a uniformed police response is necessary. Many of these requests involve people in crisis or people dealing with mental health concerns. Our primary goal with these investigations is to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved and to connect people with necessary resources or community services. We are happy to report this incident resolved safely for all involved.
The Marshalltown Police Department was assisted in this investigation by the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office.
(A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.)
AUTHORITY: Michael W. Tupper, Chief of Police (mtupper@marshalltown-ia.gov or 641.754.5771)