On Thursday, July 18 at 9:57 a.m., the O’Brien County communications center received a call from an individual claiming to have shot another person and claimed that they would commit further acts of violence against other individuals and responding law enforcement.
According to O’Brien County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Keven Van Meeteren, Law Enforcement responded to 4532 Redwood Ave, rural Paullina, where the call was believed to have originated from.
Precautions were made for nearby homes and businesses; Mill Creek campground was evacuated. The High-Risk Entry and Arrest (HEAT) team was activated but the situation was resolved prior to the team arriving on scene.
Drone operators with O’Brien County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), Iowa State Patrol and Sioux County Sheriff’s Office were able to make contact with the occupants of the residence at 4532 Redwood Ave and those occupants were secured without incident. Deputy Van Meeteren stated that the investigation into the incident is ongoing and there is no further danger to public safety. He also said that no one was injured as the original call claimed.
Agencies assisting on the scene were Sioux County Sheriff’s Office, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office, Sheldon Police, Hartley Police Department, Paullina Police Department, Spencer Police Department, Iowa State Patrol, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, O’Brien County Conservation, O’Brien County EMA, HEAT Team, Paullina and Primghar Ambulance teams.