Caldwell man arrested after hours-long standoff with police

CALDWELL, Idaho – According to Caldwell police, 81-year-old Erwin Dahlke of Caldwell was arrested Wednesday after an hours-long standoff with police ended with the use of bean bag ammunition.

In a press release, Caldwell police say officers responded to a call around 11:45 a.m. that a male suspect was speeding in a residential area and allegedly nearly intentionally struck a citizen. Police say the suspect, later identified as Erwin Dahlke, also threatened the citizen with further physical violence.

According to police, Dahlke fled to his house when the first officer arrived at the scene.
Caldwell Police established a perimeter, residents of surrounding homes were evacuated, and members of the Caldwell SWAT Team, Caldwell Fire Department, and Canyon County paramedics arrived at the scene.

Caldwell police said that around 5 p.m., after repeatedly trying to reach the suspect by phone, text and PA system without receiving a response, officers arrived at the home and shut off the power. Later, police said, tear gas was launched into the home a short time later, prompting Dahlke to leave, but police said he continued to refuse to comply. Police said he eventually complied after being hit by a beanbag round and was taken into custody.

Erwin Dahlke was booked into the Canyon County Jail on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, fleeing from a police officer and resisting arrest.