Cedar Rapids man arrested after five-hour standoff with Benton Sheriff deputies

A Cedar Rapids man was arrested Saturday in Benton County after a five-hour standoff with Benton County sheriff’s deputies who pulled him over for reckless driving.

Marc Leconte, 56, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying weapon while intoxicated, interference with official acts, operating while intoxicated, speeding over 55 mph and operation without registration card or plate.

According to a news release from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a report of an erratic driver heading east on Highway 30 at about 8:30 p.m. Saturday. They located Leconte driving a gray Kia Telluride on Highway 30 near 31st Avenue, between Atkins and Newhall.

Leconte was driving 86 mph in a 65 mph zone, according to criminal complaints.

Deputies believed Leconte was intoxicated and asked him to exit his vehicle. He refused to cooperate and drew a gun, which he pointed at deputies while making threatening statements, the complaints state.

During the five-hour standoff, Leconte refused to get out of his car and pointed his gun at deputies multiple times. Eventually he was taken into custody and no one was injured. It was later discovered Leconte had consumed 12 cans of beer before driving, and multiple open cans of beer were found in his car, the complaints state.

Leconte has been released from custody after posting a $5,000 bond, according to the news release.

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