Northern Iowa man captured after firing gun during armed standoff with police

CYLINDER, IOWA – A Northern Iowa man was captured after firing a gun during an armed standoff with police Wednesday.

On April 8, 2020 at 3:29 A.M., the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call reporting a suicidal male subject with a firearm in the 200 block of Jefferson St., Cylinder, Iowa. The reporting party also advised the communications center the male subject had fired one shot while inside that residence. Deputies responded to the area, met with the reporting party and other family members who were able to exit the residence. The male subject was identified as 36-year-old Nicholas Gappa of Cylinder. Believing Nicholas was still inside the residence, responding officers established a perimeter around the residence and attempted to make contact with Nicholas. When no contact was established with Nicholas the Multi-Agency Response Team (MART) was activated. Officers made contact with local residents and requested they move to a safe area. At 8:20 A.M., just prior to the MART making entry into the home, Nicholas turned himself in at the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office as he had departed the residence prior to deputies responding and establishing the perimeter.

The search warrant that was obtained in the course of the investigation was executed and evidence gathered. As a result of the investigation Nicholas was charged with intimidation with a deadly weapon – class C felony, child endangerment – aggravated misdemeanor, possession of a controlled substance 1st offense – serious misdemeanor, and possession of drug paraphernalia – simple misdemeanor. Nicholas was booked into the Palo Alto County Jail to await his initial appearance before a judge.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing and additional charges may be forthcoming.

The Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office was assisted on scene by the Emmetsburg Police Department, the Algona Police Department, The Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office, the Palo Alto County Ambulance Service, and members from surrounding agencies of the MART Team. The Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office would also like to thank the Cylinder Fire Department for the use of their facilities while this active incident unfolded. It is also noted there were no injuries reported to any individuals, civilians or law enforcement, during this incident.