FM man critical after Sunday crisis

FORT MADISON – An incident that resulted in blocking off the 2200 block of Avenue G Sunday has resulted in one being hospitalized in critical condition.
According to multiple releases from Fort Madison Police and Fire Departments, police cordoned off the block for more than 90 minutes in response to a suicidal male who had barricaded himself in the home and started a fire.
According to Fort Madison Police Chief Cody Potthast, officers were called to 2215 Avenue G at  10:00 a.m. in response to a suicidal subject. Upon arrival, officers located a male subject, identified as Josh Hayes, who had barricaded himself on the second level of the residence with a knife, and had sustained multiple self-inflicted lacerations.
During this standoff, Hayes allegedly started a fire on the second level and threatened officers and medical staff with the knife.
“Through effective teamwork with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Fort Madison Police Department officers, Josh was safely apprehended,” Potthast said.
“Firefighters extinguished the fire, and Josh was immediately transported by Lee County EMS to the Hospital for further treatment. His current condition is critical. No other individuals were injured, and there is no ongoing threat to the community.”

Potthast also reiterated in the release that help is available for anyone dealing with mental health crises.
Criminal charges are pending against Hayes and the incident remains under investigation.
Fort Madison Police Chief Chad Hannum said the home sustained fire and smoke damage and remains uninhabitable until repairs and inspections are completed.
No firefighter injuries were reported during the incident. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Both agencies indicated no further information will be released until the investigation is completed.
Other agencies that responded and assisted include Lee County EMS and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.