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Fairfield man arrested after 7-hour standoff, charged with stabbing two people

Andy Hallman

May. 24, 2024 12:02 pm, Updated: May. 24, 2024 2:15 pm

FAIRFIELD – A Fairfield man was charged with attempted murder Thursday after allegedly stabbing two people and barricading himself inside an apartment.

Zachary George Gory, 35, was arrested around 7:30 p.m. Thursday at 206 E. Jefferson Ave., where he had barricaded himself inside an upstairs apartment for seven hours. At 12:14 p.m. that day, officers responded to a report of a stabbing at that address, and discovered two victims with multiple stab wounds. The identity of those victims has not been released.

According to a news release from Assistant Jefferson County Attorney Elizabeth Estey, the two victims were transported to Jefferson County Health Center for treatment, and were later discharged with minor injuries.

Upon Gory’s arrest Thursday night, he was charged with two counts of attempted murder (B Felony charges), one count of assault on a peace officer and one count of interference with official acts, both misdemeanor charges. He was transported to the Jefferson County Health Center, though Estey said this was mostly so that he could be cleared to be released to the Jefferson County Jail.

Agencies that could be seen responding to the call included the Fairfield Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol and Fairfield Fire Department.

Estey said that, during the seven-hour standoff with law enforcement, officers attempted different methods to communicate with Gory and get him to exit the apartment before having to force their way in.

“This was a multi-agency effort, and the County Attorney’s Office wishes to thank the swift and thorough law enforcement efforts that helped to minimize injury to those involved and protect the community at large,” Estey said.

The Fairfield Community School District issued a news release Thursday afternoon to indicate there was no threat to the public. However, Washington Elementary School informed its parents that they should pick up their children from school instead of letting them walk home because of the situation on East Jefferson.

Law enforcement officers responded to a report of two people being stabbed Thursday afternoon, May 23, in Fairfield, which led to a seven-hour standoff resulting in one arrest. (Photo courtesy of Paul Delisle)
Law enforcement officers responded to a report of two people being stabbed Thursday afternoon, May 23, in Fairfield, which led to a seven-hour standoff resulting in one arrest. (Photo courtesy of Paul Delisle)

Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com

Officers are seen responding to a call at 206 E. Jefferson Ave. Thursday in Fairfield where two people were transported to the hospital with stab wounds. (Photo courtesy of Paul Delisle)
Officers are seen responding to a call at 206 E. Jefferson Ave. Thursday in Fairfield where two people were transported to the hospital with stab wounds. (Photo courtesy of Paul Delisle)
A few blocks of East Jefferson Avenue were closed to traffic Thursday afternoon and evening during the seven-hour police standoff with a suspect who had barricaded himself into a second floor apartment after allegedly stabbing two people. (Andy Hallman/The Union)
A few blocks of East Jefferson Avenue were closed to traffic Thursday afternoon and evening during the seven-hour police standoff with a suspect who had barricaded himself into a second floor apartment after allegedly stabbing two people. (Andy Hallman/The Union)
Zachary George Gory
Zachary George Gory
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