Police in Council Bluffs say a man is behind bars after he opened fire in a bar parking lot.
Police say just before 11:30 Saturday night, officers were called to Sugars Lounge for a report of a man shooting a gun in the parking lot of the bar. Investigators say when officers arrived on scene, two patrons had the suspect, 25 year old Benjamin Merksick, on the ground.
Investigators say officers were able to take Merksick into custody without further incident. Police say Merksick got into an argument inside the bar then went outside to his vehicle to grab a rifle. They say Merksick then shot the rifle several times in the vicinity of bar patrons. According to police, as Merksick was attempting to reload, two bar patrons were able to take Merksick to the ground before officers arrived. There were no injuries reported.
Merksick was transported to Pottawattamie County Corrections and Charged with Attempted Murder, Intimidation with a Dangerous Weapon and Going Armed with Intent.