Edgar Stratmann

The Sheriff's Office has arrested a Gamaliel area man, 60 year old EDGAR STRATMANN, on several charges after responding to a call of a suicidal male on Crystal Oak Trail Friday evening. 

     At approximately 7:39 PM Friday, Sheriff's Deputy Justin Haight was dispatched to STRATMANN'S residence after the Baxter County 9-1-1 call center received several calls from that residence.  Deputy Haight made contact with STRATMANN inside the residence and began to speak with him.  STARTMANN was highly agitated, and he picked up a can of air duster and attempted to inhale the entire can, saying he wanted to die.  Deputy Haight was able to grab the can and take it away from STRATMANN and informed him that an ambulance was coming to take him to the hospital to get help.

     STRATMANN became more aggressive.  He then grabbed a screwdriver and attempted to stab himself in the chest with it.  Deputy Haight was able to take the screwdriver away from STRATMANN, who then asked Deputy Haight if he had a gun.  STRATMANN then said he had a knife and that the deputy would have to shoot him.  STRATMANN then brandished a large skinning knife and threatened the deputy with it.  Deputy Haight used his baton to strike STRATMANN'S arm, causing him to drop the knife.  Deputy Haight then attempted to arrest and handcuff STRATMANN.  STRATMANN physically resisted the arrest and was trying to grab the deputy's baton.  At this point, another deputy arrived on the scene and used a TASER device to drive stun STRATMANN.  Deputies were eventually successful in placing cuffs on STARTMANN and effectuating the arrest.

     EDGAR STRATMANN was then transported to the Baxter County Detention Center and was booked on charges of:

Aggravated Assault - Felony
Resisting Arrest - Misdemeanor
Inhaling Intoxicants - Misdemeanor
Obstructing Governmental Operations - Misdemeanor

     STRATMANN remains in custody in lieu of $25,000 bond and will make an appearance before the Baxter County Circuit Court next week to answer to the charges.

/s/ John F. Montgomery,
Baxter County Sheriff