Johnson County deputies deploy Taser on man who approached officers with hammer

NORTH LIBERTY — Deputies deployed a Taser on a man after he allegedly approached them while armed with a claw hammer.

According to complaints from the Johnson County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to an area northwest of North Liberty at about 8 a.m. Monday for a report that 34-year-old Kyle L. Wagner — who was reported to have been involved in an altercation with a female — was walking along Swan Lake Road near his residence.

Upon arrival, Wagner began approaching deputies while brandishing a claw hammer above his head, according to reports.

Wagner threw the hammer into the ditch, but continued to approach officers despite being told to stop and get on the ground, police say.

After multiple commands were refused, deputies used a Taser on Wagner, who continued to resist while being placed in handcuffs, according to police.

Following his arrest, police say they found a glass pipe in Wagner's pocket. Wagner told officers he used the pipe to smoke methamphetamine.

Wagner has been charged with simple misdemeanor charges for interference with official acts and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is being held in the Johnson County Jail on detainer for Louisa County.