(Stuart, Iowa) – Police in Stuart early this (Friday) morning arrested a man on burglary and assault charges. Authorities say at around 2:46-p.m., Thursday, Stuart Police were dispatched to the 400 block of NE 3rd Street where a man was reportedly inside a residence with a weapon, and refusing to leave. A Stuart Officer arrived within minutes and spoke with the reporting party who said the alleged suspect, 43-year-old Clinton Lewis, Casteel, Jr., of Stuart, was inside the residence. The person said Casteeel had pulled a large hunting knife on him during a verbal argument and had attempted to assault him with the knife. Witnesses inside the residence during the assault, corroborated the victims’ allegations. Each witness also thought Casteel was hiding in the residence.

A perimeter of the residence was established with assisting law enforcement agencies, and the West Central Valley Stuart Elementary School was immediately advised of the situation. An Off-Duty Stuart Police Officer was dispatched to the school to provide security out of an abundance of caution, and to help facilitate the school’s dismissal due to the proximity of the house to the school. Authorities say the incident appeared to be a targeted incident between two known acquaintances and at no time was there information to believe that the public was in any specific danger.

Arrest warrants were obtained for Casteel, Jr., and a search warrant was obtained for the residence. The Iowa State Patrol Tactical Team and an Iowa State Patrol Negotiator were requested and responded to the incident. Throughout the night officers made numerous attempts to contact Casteel and request that he exit the residence. It was later determined that Casteel was not in the residence.

Shortly after 1-a.m. today (Friday), Casteel was apprehended at a residence in rural Adair County. He was charged with Burglary in the First Degree and Assault While Displaying a Dangerous Weapon, and booked into the Guthrie County Jail. The Adair and Guthrie County Sheriff’s Offices, the Iowa State Patrol, and the Panora Police Department all assisted during the incident. This is an ongoing investigation and additional charges may be filed.