(Elk Horn, Iowa) – A welfare check by law enforcement at a residence in Elk Horn Monday mid-morning resulted in a stand-off and fire that caused significant damage to the home. The incident at 4116 Madison Street began at around 10:35-a.m.

All photos are courtesy of Emily Melanson.

Shelby County Sheriff Neil Gross said law enforcement responded because there was the possibility the individual wanted to harm them self by using an explosive. That information came from a person the individual inside was communicating with.

Law enforcement initially evacuated two or three houses in the area before expanding the perimeter to include the nearby Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton High School, where some employees were working, along with construction workers who were on the roof conducting repairs and upgrades. The sense of urgency came, when Firefighters saw possible propane tanks inside the residence. At the same time, authorities attempted to negotiate with the individual and diffuse the situation.

Gross said after a fire began, a person inside attempted to get out.

Once he was pulled out by law enforcement, the individual was checked out by medical staff and transported to Myrtue Memorial Hospital in Harlan. The person’s name was not released. He was reported to be in stable condition.

The person will get a physical and mental evaluation, according to the Sheriff. Gross said he was glad the situation ended peacefully and safely.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Audubon County Sheriff’s Office, Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Harlan Police Department, Iowa State Patrol, Elk Horn Fire, Kimballton Fire, Exira Fire, Brayton Fire, Atlantic Fire, Walnut Fire, Harlan Fire, Medivac, and Shelby County Emergency Management all responded to the call.