Kalona man arrested for allegedly assaulting officers

KALONA — A man in Kalona was arrested Tuesday morning for “two counts of assault on persons in certain occupations,” according to a media report from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

Criminal complaints for the arrest say Matthew James Meisheid of Kalona assaulted two Washington County officers while displaying a deadly weapon. The charges are Class D felonies.

Nearly identical affidavits within those criminal complaint said the officers were at the residence on Third Street to investigate a report of fireworks, which are banned by city code.

“Meisheid was agitated, aggressive, swearing, and upset with us and law enforcement in general,” both affidavits from the officers said. “I attempted to explain to Meisheid that we were called to his specific address for report of fireworks, and that we were just there to inform him of the ordinance and ask him not to shoot any more.”

The officers said Meisheid clearly threatened them during the incident.

“Meisheid continued to be belligerent with us and then stated, ‘Careful... I’ll show you some fireworks, boom boom boom boom,’” both affidavits said. “As he said this, Meisheid pulled a black semi-automatic pistol with holster out of his right waist line and pointed it in the air, simulating shooting the gun off … he was staring me down and appeared to be trying to scare or intimidate myself and (the other officer.) We immediately felt threatened, feared for our safety and lives, and felt that Meisheid planned to use the gun on us.”

According to that court document, the two officers left in patrol vehicles and sought a warrant for Meisheid’s arrest.

When the warrant was executed, five additional officers responded to assist, according to the media report. While bond was originally set at $10,000, the bond was eventually raised to $25,000 before being posted on Wednesday.

“While executing a search warrant, officers found dozens of firearms and a large quantity of ammunition in the Defendant’s home,” a court document said. “Bond was set prior to this discovery. Defendant represents a public safety risk and should be prohibited from acquiring, possessing, and carrying firearms and other dangerous weapons during the pendency of this case.”

Both affidavits said the incident took place on July 9, 2022, before the arrest at 9 a.m. Tuesday and warrant execution an hour later.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com