Man in standoff didn’t make threats, but had weapons, police say

The man involved in a 3 1/2-hour standoff with Cedar Rapids police Sunday morning had “numerous” weapons inside his home, but did not make any threats, police revealed Monday.

Mickael M. Peterson, 36, of Cedar Rapids, was formally charged Monday with several offenses, including going armed with intent, assault while displaying a dangerous weapon and possession of marijuana.

Around 2:15 a.m. Sunday, officers were sent to Peterson's house at 1721 Ninth St. NW to check out a report of a man with a gun. When they arrived, they saw Peterson go inside the house with a shotgun, according to the police report.

Officer Melissa Henderson, a police spokeswoman, said two females were inside the house but were not considered hostages. According to the police report, the problem started when Peterson displayed a weapon during an argument at a party.

Peterson had “numerous” weapons inside the house, according to the police report, but Henderson declined to be more specific.

Officers dressed in SWAT gear responded to the home and Ninth Street NW was shut down around the residence to deal with the situation. Peterson did not make any specific threats to police, but would not come outside.

A robot was used “as a tool to gain compliance,” Henderson said. She did not explain its purpose.

Police obtained a search warrant and forced open Peterson's door. He was arrested without incident around 6 a.m.

Samele B. Byrne, 31, of Central City, also was arrested at the scene on drug charges.

Police said several witnesses were interviewed at the scene, and the investigation was continuing.

Peterson made an initial court appearance Monday on charges of going armed with intent, interference with official acts while displaying a dangerous weapon, and assault while displaying a dangerous weapon.

The complaint said officers were called to 1741 Ninth St. SW after Peterson “attempted to use a 9-mm handgun against John Saldivar. (Peterson) left the altercations after being disarmed but was found returning while armed with a shotgun when peace officers encountered him.”

Peterson was released from jail after his court appearance.