An Ottumwa man is behind bars after police say he attempted to break into an occupied vehicle and threatened the victim.
49-year-old Christopher Cox was charged with attempted second-degree burglary (Class D felony), interference with official acts (simple misdemeanor), assault – fear of immediate contact (simple misdemeanor), and obstruction of emergency communications (simple misdemeanor).
According to court records at 9:27 AM on February 20 in the Walmart parking lot in Ottumwa, Cox approached a male victim and swung his arm, nearly knocking a cell phone out of the victim’s hand. Cox allegedly followed the victim while the latter tried to back away. Police say Cox attempted to gain entry into an occupied vehicle. After failing to do so, Cox allegedly yelled at the victim that he had a gun and gestured with his hand that he had a firearm.
Cox was placed under arrest. Cox refused to obey multiple orders from the officer to get on the ground, according to court documents. Cox is also accused of pulling away from the arresting officer and refusing to be put in handcuffs.
Cox was transported to the Wapello County Jail. He is being held without bond pending a hearing with a magistrate judge.
