Newton man tased by police after blocking traffic in First Avenue intersection

A Newton man is behind bars after obstructing traffic Monday, forcing officer to deploy a taser to detain him.

Jerad O. Oldham, 40, of Newton, was charged with interference with official acts and disorderly conduct-obstruct public way at 5:39 p.m. in the 400 block of First Avenue West. According to the Newton Police Department, officers responded to a call for a male standing in the middle of an intersection.

Upon arrival, the NPD found Oldham standing in the middle of the intersection of First Avenue West and West Fourth Street. Officers observed Oldham was blocking the traffic's ability to move through the intersection.

Officers exited their marked patrol car in full duty uniform and instructed Oldham to walk toward the patrol car. He refused and began telling officers to shoot him. Officers continued to instruct Oldham to walk toward their patrol car.

Oldham continued to refuse and tell officers to shoot him. He began to back away from officers and officers drew their tasers, instructing Oldham to get into the prone position. He refused and officers deployed the taser.

Officers continued to command Oldham to the ground and Oldham finally complied placing, his hands behind his back. Oldham was arrested and taken to the Jasper County Jail. He went through the court process and is spending one day in the jail.

Contact Dustin Teays at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or dteays@newtondailynews.com