Keokuk PD discovers dead body a day after stand-off

KEOKUK - A Friday stand-off with Keokuk police ended without incident that day, but the suspect in question was found deceased in the home on Saturday.
According to information from the Keokuk Police Department released Monday, officers with the department were dispatched to the 1500 block of Johnson Street in reference to a disturbance Friday.
During the incident, officers learned that Josh L. Helmick, 43, of Keokuk, was known to be occupying a residence in the area and the only person in the home. Officers also received information that Helmick had access to a firearm and had made threats directed toward law enforcement.
Officers attempted to make contact with Helmick for a significant period from outside the home but were unsuccessful. There was a brief period in which officers thought Helmick may have left the residence and were not able to observe anything indicating that Helmick was still in the residence after that period of time.
In order to avoid possible escalation of the incident, and no ongoing threat to the public or individuals in the home, officers did not force entry into the residence. Officers left the scene after approximately two hours.
On Saturday, police were called back to the same residence in reference to the discovery of a deceased male, identified as Helmick. An update with the cause of death will be released after a full autopsy is completed.
Keokuk Police Chief Zeth Baum indicated in the email that no additional information would be available at this time.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office, LeeComm Dispatch Center, Lee County Ambulance Service, and the Keokuk Fire Department also contributed resources to this investigation.
Baum said he encourages the public to contact the police department with any additional information regarding this event. The community plays a large role in helping the department suppress crime and keep the community safe. Residents can reach the department through its social media (Facebook Messenger), the LeeComm dispatch center (319-372-1310), Lee County Crime Stoppers, calling the department directly (319-524-2741), or going to the police department in person (1222 Johnson Street, Keokuk).