Joshua Jefferson/Credit: Jackson County Sheriff's Office

 

(KNZA)--Additional details have been released in connection with an hours-long standoff Wednesday evening in Holton that began with an animal cruelty investigation.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse says officers with the Holton Police Department and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office responded just after 5:15 p.m. to a residence on New Jersey Street.

Authorities say 36-year-old Joshua Jerome Jefferson, of Holton, allegedly dragged a dog from a neighboring yard while beating and strangling the animal. A neighbor who attempted to intervene was allegedly battered by the suspect.

When officers arrived, they reportedly observed Jefferson assaulting the neighbor. Morse says Jefferson then refused commands from officers and threatened to retrieve a weapon and force law enforcement to shoot him before barricading himself inside the home.

After several hours and repeated unsuccessful attempts to communicate with the suspect, officers entered the residence and located Jefferson hiding in a basement crawl space wrapped in a blanket. He was taken into custody around 11:30 Wednesday night.

Jefferson remains jailed in Jackson County on charges that include aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, battery, criminal damage to property, and animal cruelty. Bond has been set at 100-thousand dollars.

Assisting agencies included the Kansas Highway Patrol and the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office.