81-year-old Caldwell man arrested after six-hour standoff, charged with aggravated assault

Caldwell, Idaho (CBS2) — Caldwell police arrested an 81-year-old man on Wednesday after a nearly six-hour standoff.

Caldwell Police responded to a call reporting a man driving through a residential area at a high rate of speed and nearly hitting someone. The man also threatened the person with physical violence.

When officers arrived and attempted to stop the vehicle, the man refused to yield and fled into his home. The man was identified as 81-year-old Erwin Dahlke of Caldwell.

Police established a perimeter and evacuated nearby residences. Officers received additional information about Dahlke posing an imminent threat to the public. Police also believed Dahlke was heavily armed after he threatened to shoot officers.

Dahlke refused to communicate with officers and barricaded himself inside the house. Over 30 people, including drone pilots, the Caldwell SWAT team, firefighters and paramedics, responded to the scene to handle the incident.

Officers repeatedly tried to reach Dahlke by phone, text, and over the PA system without receiving a response. Officers shut off the power to the apartment and fired tear gas into the house, causing Dahlke to come out. Dahlke still refused to comply with officers' orders and was arrested with beanbag rounds.

Dahlke was given medical treatment and booked into the Canyon County Jail on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, eluding police and resisting arrest.