Police explain decision to end Bettendorf standoff | News

Family of the Bettendorf man involved in Wednesday’s standoff with police confirmed Thursday he is dead. His body was found shortly after that standoff at his home on Joshua Street ended.

Bettendorf Police were called to a disturbance in the 5500 block of Joshua Street around 3 p.m. Wednesday. After more than three hours, police decided the standoff was over, and they reopened the neighborhood to traffic and residents. About an hour later, they were called to the scene once more and found the man’s body.

Questions arose Thursday as to why police left the man armed in his house and did not arrest him or take him to a hospital for evaluation. Bettendorf Police Chief Phil Redington explained the decision, saying no threats had been made towards neighbors, and the man had broken no laws.

Redington also expressed his sadness over how things ended, but explained there is no set protocol for handling situations like this. Because no laws were broken, police legally could not enter the man’s house. Redington said he stands by the decision to leave and will gladly speak with any family or neighbors who are concerned with the Department’s actions.