Police arrest 46-year-old Newton man after threatening to shoot his neighbor

Officers arrested a 46-year-old Newton man this week for allegedly threatening to shoot his neighbor with a firearm that he was legally prohibited from possessing due to him being a convicted felon, according to a press release from the police department. The man has since been charged with numerous offenses.

At about 11:46 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11, the Newton Police Department was dispatched to the 100 block of North Eighth Avenue West. Spencer Swank, the man accused of threatening his neighbor, was located and arrested by officers without incident. A search warrant was then conducted in Swank’s home.

Following the search warrant, police seized a firearm and ammunition. Swank was transported to the Jasper County Jail and charged with the following crimes:

• Stalking while possession of a dangerous weapon (Class C felony)

• Going armed with intent (Class D felony)

• Dominion/control of firearm/offensive weapon by felon (Class D felony)

• Harassment first-degree (aggravated misdemeanor)

• Assault (simple misdemeanor)

• Public intoxication (simple misdemeanor)

• Trespassing (simple misdemeanor)

• Criminal mischief fifth-degree (simple misdemeanor)

Newton Police Department noted this was an isolated incident and there is no ongoing threat to the public.