News : La Porte City Man Arrested After Gun Threats and Cornfield Standoff

Stallone Purdy

A tense Thursday night ended in the arrest of a La Porte City man after authorities say he threatened bar patrons and later made threats toward law enforcement during a standoff in a cornfield.

The Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office reports that deputies were first called to Tipsy’s Bar in Raymond around 10:40 p.m. on September 11. Stallone Purdy, of La Porte City, was accused of threatening to shoot one of the bar’s customers.

By the time deputies arrived, Purdy had left the bar in a white sedan. Minutes later, at 10:57 p.m., law enforcement was called to the 8200 block of La Porte Road near Washburn, where a white Ford Fusion was found in the ditch. Authorities say Purdy was behind the wheel. When a deputy arrived on scene, Purdy ran from the vehicle into a nearby cornfield.

While hiding in the field, investigators say Purdy threatened to shoot officers. In response, SWAT and drone units were deployed. After a two-hour standoff, Purdy was safely taken into custody without further incident.

Purdy now faces multiple charges, including Harassment 1st Degree, Driving While Barred, Driving While Suspended, Operating Without an Ignition Interlock Device, Possession of an Open Container, Failure to Maintain Control, and Failure to Provide Financial Liability.

The Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by La Porte City Police, Waterloo Police, Evansdale Police, the Iowa State Patrol, and the Black Hawk County Consolidated Communication Center.