Barricaded Suspect Shoots Himself in Akron Standoff

On Thursday, October 2^nd, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded to a neighbor dispute that involved firearms in the 200 block of Cedar Avenue in Akron. Both neighbors were contacted by deputies as they were speaking with the suspects through the screen door of his house, as he made threats of deadly force against the deputies.

When they tried to arrest the suspect, he quickly closed and locked the door and barricaded himself inside. An arrest warrant was obtained for the suspect, who was 61-year-old Jim Muggenburg. The Northeast Regional SWAT Team was called to assist as a search warrant was issued for 281 Cedar Avenue in Akron.

WY Communications went out a reverse 9-1-1, and CODE Red alerts were also issued. Akron schools were also notified, following caution and protocol.

At 2:50 pm on Thursday, SWAT approached Mr. Muggenburg’s residence, hoping to get him to come out voluntarily. When communications failed, the team deployed gas into the home through broken windows. With no response for several hours, it was decided to enter the house, where it was discovered that Mr. Muggenburg had died from an apparent gunshot wound. An autopsy will be conducted, as no other information is being released at this time.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office wishes to thank the Northeast Regional SWAT Team, WY Communications, Washington County Ambulance Service, Akron Volunteer Fire Department, Medivac, Washington County Coroner’s Office, Yuma Police Department, and the Town of Akron.