STANHOPE, IOWA – As his house burned yesterday, this Northern Iowa man was tipping back on a bottle of booze and carrying a shotgun, all while cops and onlookers tried to reason with him before a more tragic outcome could emerge.
On January 30, 2025, at 2:21 PM, the Hamilton County dispatch center received an emergency 911 call about a house on fire. The residence is located at 2158 360th Street in Stanhope, Iowa.
When law enforcement arrived on scene, the residence was observed to be fully engulfed. Deputies observed multiple people on the property. One male stated, “There is a guy with a gun and he appears to be intoxicated.” Law enforcement observed a male on the property with a shotgun in hand, actively drinking what appeared to be an alcoholic beverage.
Deputies on scene attempted to communicate with the subject and demanded the subject drop the gun. The male did not comply and stated, “go home.” The male also stated, “no one else is in the house.”
It was known by law enforcement, they say, that he had multiple firearms on him or near him within close proximity.
First arriving deputies requested additional units and had all fire units standby near the scene for safety purposes. During this time, law enforcement again attempted negotiations and were not successful. A short while later a Hamilton County deputy was able to make contact with the male and communicate in close proximity with him. The male was identified as 28-year-old Cody Christensen, who lived at this residence.
At 3:13 PM, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office deputies and other law enforcement personnel were able to apprehend the subject. At no time did the subject point a weapon at law enforcement, fire personnel or other individuals.
Cody Christensen was placed under arrest and transported to the Hamilton County Jail, charged with the following crimes:
• Arson 2nd Degree – 712.3(1) Class C Felony
• Interference With Official Acts – 719.1(2)(0 Class D Felony
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office thanked the multiple agencies that assisted with this situation, including, the Webster City Police Department, Iowa State Patrol and DCI, EJS Police Department, Webster County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa DNR, Stanhope Fire and Rescue and the Stratford Fire and Rescue.
1 thought on “Armed, drinking Northern Iowa man holds off cops as his house burns down”
Can’t wait for the lawsuit from this one. “Armed trespassers assault innocent homeowner”
If there was no mortgage and no insurance claim is made against the house then there is no “Arson” pigs can suck start their Glocks and kick rocks.