AVOCA, IOWA — A 28-year-old man, Shaun Patrick McCarthy, has been arrested and charged with several felonies, including attempted murder, following an armed standoff with authorities on Thursday evening.
According to the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), deputies were called at 8:12 p.m. after reports of a shooting in Avoca. When they arrived, officers found a victim suffering from minor gunshot injuries.
Deputies traced the incident to a residence west of Avoca, where they learned the suspect remained inside. Authorities were also told that additional gunfire had been heard from the home and that children were still inside.
The Emergency Response Team and negotiators joined the operation. During the standoff, deputies reported hearing more shots fired before locating McCarthy and the children inside. Fortunately, the children were found safe and unharmed.
After a brief standoff, McCarthy was taken into custody without further incident.
Following the investigation, McCarthy was charged with:
Attempt to Commit Murder
Reckless Use of a Firearm – Bodily Injury
Going Armed with Intent
Willful Injury – Causing Bodily Injury
Domestic Abuse Assault
Three counts of Child Endangerment
McCarthy was booked into the Pottawattamie County Jail and is being held on a $100,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on November 10.
