LAMOTTE, Iowa – Police arrested a LaMotte man wanted in Minnesota on a report of terroristic threats against a Lewiston, Minnesota, woman over child support. Taken into custody as a tactical squad stood ready was Steven Michael Conroy, 34. He offered no resistance. This was about 8:30 a.m. His girlfriend, in Lewiston, had told deputies that Conroy had texted from Iowa: “You killed me with child support, and I’ll pay it with lead and flesh.” He also sent a picture of himself in military gear and holding an assault rifle. This was Friday evening. The woman, age 33, said she had just driven 3-1/2 hours home from LaMotte on Friday after a child support hearing. This was Friday evening about 7:05. Deputies reviewed message. Conroy was explicit: “I will kill you.” He said he was on his way. He asked if her “bodyguard” was wearing Level 4 body armor? For fear about the woman’s safety, Winona sheriff’s deputies moved her to a safe shelter. Also, deputies inferred the possibility that Conroy might be contemplating suicide-by-police. Winona officers obtained an arrest warrant charging Conroy with threats of violence, aggravated harassment, and domestic assault. During all this, the woman said the female child was safe with friends. After the arrest, Winona authorities were arranging for Conroy to be extradited from Iowa for prosecution.
