On Thursday, June 8, 2023, at 3:16pm, officers from the Marshalltown Police Department went to 208 West Church Street to search for a wanted felon and conduct a theft investigation. Officers were searching for Jimmy Allen Austgen, age 54, of Marshalltown. Mr. Austgen had warrants for his arrest for parole violation and escape after walking away from the Marshalltown Residential Facility on June 6. Mr. Austgen is well known to law enforcement and has been arrested multiple times for offenses generally related to theft and burglary crimes. On June 8, Marshalltown police officers were investigating a new theft crime that Mr. Austgen has been connected too.
Officers did locate Mr. Austgen at 208 West Church Street but he locked himself inside a bathroom and refused officer commands to surrender. During negotiations, Mr. Austgen warned officers multiple times not to enter the bathroom. At 5:21pm, Mr. Austgen was safely taken into custody after two hours of active negotiations to secure his surrender. Mr. Austgen was taken to the Marshall County Jail and is being held pending an initial court appearance. This investigation continues.
Chief Tupper stated, "I am proud of the professionalism and perseverance our law enforcement team displayed during this investigation. Mr. Austgen's actions placed himself, the officers, and other occupants of this apartment building in danger. Thanks to exceptional training and teamwork, Mr. Austgen was safely arrested. Mr. Austgen has a lengthy criminal history. We are pleased to have him back in custody."
(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)