Man charged in 11-hour standoff in Cedar Rapids pleads guilty to 3 counts attempted murder

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — The Grimes man involved in the 11-hour February standoff in Cedar Rapids pled guilty to three counts of attempted murder of a police officer in Linn County court on Friday.

Christopher Kern, 49, allegedly stole his own dog from the Animal Rescue League in Des Moines before hiding out from police in Cedar Rapids on Feb. 19 while authorities were serving a warrant for his arrest.

Police say Kern shot at them three separate times during the overnight standoff, with one instance where Kern was shooting through a wall.

A month later, Kern was charged with assaulting a police officer, attempting to escape, and interfering with official acts when police say he tried to flee after a dentist appointment on March 25.

Kern had planned to plea guilty to his original 17 charges before his attempted escape last week.

Glen Laxamana, 45, of Cedar Rapids, is also charged with accessory after the fact and interference with official acts. Laxamana's apartment was where the standoff happened and where Kern allegedly hid out from police. Police say Laxamana initially denied that Kern was inside, but an investigation revealed he was.

Laxamana's arraignment is scheduled for Monday morning.

Kern's sentencing is scheduled for April 11.