Man arrested after 11-hour standoff with Cedar Rapids police

CEDAR RAPIDS — A man wanted on multiple warrants out of Polk County is in custody after an 11-hour standoff and shooting with Cedar Rapids police Wednesday night and Thursday morning, according to a news release from the department.

Christopher Kern, 49, of Grimes, is facing three counts each of attempted murder of a police officer, possession of firearms by a felon, interference with official acts with a dangerous weapon and assault on persons engaged in certain occupations, two counts of intimidation with a dangerous weapon, and one count each of use of a dangerous weapon in the commission of a crime, going armed with intent and persons ineligible to carry dangerous weapons, according to police.

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The standoff took place at the Chelsea Apartments at 525 Valor Way SW. Police had information that Kern — who was wanted after failing to appear in court for various drug charges — was staying at the home of Glen Alba Laxamana, who lives at the Chelsea Apartments, according to a criminal complaint filed against Laxamana. Laxamana is charged with interference with official acts and accessory after the fact.

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Laxamana told police that Kern was not at his apartment, but police discovered he was there and was armed. Kern shot at officers while they were attempting to contact him and drafting a search warrant to enter the apartment, a little after 7 p.m. Wednesday, according to the complaint and the news release.

Police returned fire, and Kern retreated into the apartment. An overnight standoff ensued, during which time “officers made repeated attempts to resolve the situation peacefully,” according to the release.

Laxamana was also picked up from his workplace by officers and taken to the Cedar Rapids Police Department, where he admitted Kern was inside his apartment with firearms, narcotics and body armor, according to the complaint. Laxamana was arrested and had his first appearance in court Thursday, before being released on his own recognizance.

Kern was brought into custody just before 6 a.m. Thursday and was taken to a hospital to be evaluated. The release does not indicate what injuries the he had or whether he was hit by officer gunfire. He has not yet had his first appearance in court and a criminal complaint with more information about his charges was not yet available.

No police officers were injured in the standoff. Two officers — whose names have not been released — have been placed on critical incident leave, and the shooting is being investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations and the Linn County Attorney’s Office.

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