47-Year-Old Male Charged in Ironwood Standoff

IRONWOOD, Mich. – Gogebic County Prosecutor Nick Jacobs authorized a five count felony warrant for 47-year-old Leonard Hellier of Ironwood Township.

The warrant contains two counts of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and one count of carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent.

These charges stem from Hellier’s arrest Tuesday, after he barricaded himself in his residence on Vanderhangen Road. The initial 911 call came from a neighbor claiming that Mr. Hellier shot in the direction of his property. A Gogebic County Deputy responded to the call and while meeting with the complainant, reported the suspect shot in his direction with what he believed was a pellet gun.

Other officers were called to the scene and the suspect became belligerent, threatening officers with a machete. After multiple orders from officers to put the weapon down, he refused to cooperate, and officers tased him. He was able to retreat into his residence and barricaded himself inside with weapons.

The Gogebic County Sheriff’s Office reports that officers established contact with Hellier, but he refused to cooperate and exit the premises.

Officers and members of the Gogebic-Iron SWAT team attempted talks, but ultimately were forced to breach the residence and were met by Hellier wielding a hatchet.

Hellier was taken into custody and treated for a minor abraision. A SWAT team member suffered a minor laceration after Hellier swung and hit his protective shield with the hatchet.

The suspect is currently being held in the Gogebic County Jail on $300,000 cash or surety bond.

INITIAL REPORT:

IRONWOOD TOWNSHIP, Mich. – The Gogebic County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of a neighbor dispute in Ironwood Township on North Vanderhagen Road around 2:00 p.m. Tuesday.

The initial call turned into an altercation involving law enforcement and a 47-year-old  male suspect. The suspect retreated into his residents where he barricaded himself with weapons.

Officers attempted negotiations, but after negotiations failed officers breached the residence where he was taken into custody.

The suspect is currently being held at the Gogebic County Jail on charges related to the incident. Additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.

The Gogebic County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Michigan State Police, Gogebic-Iron County SWAT and Beacon Ambulance.