Police: Man threatened couple with BB gun, barricaded himself in apartment

IOWA CITY - A homeless man is in custody and faces a burglary charge after a nightlong standoff with police.

James S. Joy, 34, was in an acquaintance's residence in the 800 block of East Fairchild Street around 10:10 p.m. Wednesday, and for reasons not stated in the criminal complaint or police news release, the tenant asked Joy to leave.

Police said Joy became upset, removed a handgun from his waistband and pointed it at the tenant.

Joy made comments indicating he would shoot the tenant, then held the gun to the tenant's girlfriend's head, authorities said.

The tenant and his girlfriend were able to flee the apartment and call 911. No other people were in the residence.

When officers responded, Joy barricaded himself in the apartment. The police department's Crisis Negotiations Team communicated with Joy throughout the night.

About 8:40 a.m. Thursday, police announced Joy had been taken into custody without incident.

Police found a BB gun matching the description of the gun Joy reportedly had with him.

Joy was arrested and faces one count of second-degree burglary, a Class C felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

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