Lewiston man faces aggravated assault and weapons charges after SWAT standoff at Newton Dam

Booking photo for Jerry Gillespie (Courtesy: Cache County Jail).

LOGAN — A 47-year-old Lewiston man has been arraigned on criminal charges that he threatened to kill a woman. Jerry Gillespie was arrested Tuesday after SWAT teams were called to negotiate with him while he was camping near Newton Dam.

Court records show, Gillespie was arraigned in 1st District Court, Thursday afternoon, appearing by video from jail. Earlier, he was charged with aggravated assault and five counts of possession of a firearm by a restricted person, all third-degree felonies; and four misdemeanors.

Sheriff’s deputies report that the victim called dispatch early Tuesday morning. She expressed concern about Gillespie’s erratic behavior and drug use. She also claimed that he recently had held a nail gun to her head, causing her to fear for her life. It happened in the presence of a child.

Deputies located Gillespie’s camp trailer near Newton Dam. When they called and attempted to negotiate with the suspect, he repeated threats of suicide and wanting to “shoot it out” with law enforcement.

SWAT teams were called to the dam to help assist with the negotiations and to monitor Gillespie’s movements. Deputies were also sent to Lewiston Elementary School, where they feared he might go to try and contact family members who were there.

As law enforcement continued their phone negotiations, Gillespie began to leave the campsite. He drove toward a deputies’ checkpoint and surrendered without violence.

After his arrest, a search of Gillespie’s vehicle turned up five firearms. He later admitted to possessing marijuana and the incident involving a nail gun, but denied pushing it against the woman’s head.

During Thursday’s video arraignment, Gillespie was ordered to remain in jail. He was ordered to appear again in court next week.


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