Suspect In Midwest City Standoff Faces Arson Charge After Fire At Apartment

Midwest City police say a 49-year-old man became angry after receiving an eviction notice, so he went on a rampage at an apartment complex and started a standoff with police.

Police arrested Joseph Dale Jones early Wednesday morning at Calico Corners apartment complex in the 2200 block of Felix Place near Reno and S. Midwest Boulevard. Residents say before officers arrived, Jones waved a rifle around, yelled at people and broke windows.

Residents called police. When they arrived, Jones barricaded himself inside an apartment and threatened to shoot others. Police say Jones set fire to several items in his apartment, then fired at least one shot.

No one was hit or hurt.

Police evacuated residents and called in a SWAT team. Medics and firefighters were also called in.

Police say Jones finally surrendered around 12:30 a.m. A few of the neighboring apartments did have water and smoke damage due to the fire.

Police say Jones could be charged with first-degree arson and discharging a firearm.