Iron County deputies arrest man with gun

OMA, Wis. — Deputies from the Iron County Sheriff’s Office took a man into custody late Thursday evening after a report of a domestic disturbance at a Oma residence turned into an armed standoff with authorities.

According to the release from Sheriff Paul Samardich, deputies were called to the scene of a domestic disturbance at 11:30 p.m., where the informant said both parties had been drinking.

When deputies arrived, they found a “frantic” woman holding a toddler standing at the kitchen patio door. As the women let the deputies in, a man entered the room holding a rifle, the release said.

A deputy ordered the man to drop his weapon, and a second deputy escorted the woman and child out, of the residence, the release said.

According to the release, the man initially refused the command. “Just shoot me,” he told deputies, the release said.

Deputies repeatedly asked him to put down the weapon before he finally complied and was taken into custody, according to the release.

Deputies secured the loaded rifle and took it for evidence.

There were no reported injuries, the release said

The male was taken to the Iron County Jail.

On Friday, he was arraigned on charges of endangering safety by use of a dangerous weapon while intoxicated, second degree recklessly endangering safety, and domestic-related disorderly contact. Judge Anthony Stella set bond at $5,000 cash.

After the incident on Thursday evening, the woman and child were taken to the sheriff’s office and then transported to a private residence, the release said.

“During his interview, the male admitted to grabbing the rifle and telling the female that he was going to have law enforcement shoot him, which he referred to as ‘suicide by cop,’” the release said. “He admitted to consuming a large amount of alcohol and said he wasn’t thinking clearly.”

The man’s name was not released.