FORT DODGE – An armed man barricaded in a Fort Dodge hotel room called police to explain he intended to make headlines in the worst way, and authorities rushed to the scene to try and talk him out of it.
On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at approximately 8:56 PM, the Webster County Telecommunications Center received a call stating that a suicidal male was threatening to harm himself inside his room at the Baymont Inn & Suites, 2938 5th Avenue S, in Fort Dodge. The information provided at the time was that the male had access to weapons and was suffering from a mental health condition.
As officers arrived on scene, they were advised by dispatch that the male had called in stating that he had a firearm and was going to kill everyone. Officers on scene immediately began securing the area, as well as working on identifying which hotel rooms were occupied to ensure that all occupants of the hotel were safe. Officers then made contact with the male by phone in an effort to negotiate a safe resolution to the incident.
Additional Officers with the Fort Dodge Police Department, Deputies with the Webster County Sheriff’s Office, a member of the Webster County Attorney’s Office and members of the Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) were called to the scene to assist. Officers on scene continued to communicate with the male for approximately four hours pleading with the male to peacefully surrender. Throughout this incident, the male exited his room multiple times while brandishing a handgun towards officers asking them to shoot him. During one of these interactions, a less lethal option was employed but was ultimately rendered infective and the male retreated into his room.
During the course of the lengthy negotiations, it is believed that the male ingested an unknown amount of medications and eventually became unresponsive. Law enforcement on scene made entry to the room and began life saving measures on the male. Members of the Fort Dodge Fire Department quickly responded and began administering advanced medical care. The male was ultimately transported to Unity Point Health‐Trinity Regional Medical Center by ambulance. Police didn’t release his condition.
The male sustained only minor injuries as a result of this incident and lifesaving efforts. No members of law enforcement, hotel patrons or staff were injured during this incident. A firearm was recovered at the scene.
The Fort Dodge Police Department was assisted on scene by the Webster County Sheriff’s Office, the Webster County Attorney’s Office, the Fort Dodge Fire Department, and the Special Emergency Response Team (SERT).