OTTUMWA – A Libertyville man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say he fired a gun into a building in Ottumwa during an altercation.

According to court records, the incident took place shortly after midnight on Saturday when 43-year-old Joseph Benner allegedly got into an argument in a parking lot on the 600 block of Church Street. Police say Benner was carrying a firearm and fired multiple rounds into an occupied bar. Benner allegedly admitted to police later that night that he had fired the weapon in an attempt to scare patrons of the bar.

Court documents state that Benner displayed bloodshot, watery eyes, in addition to slurred speech and unsteady balance. He was also observed to have an alcoholic odor on his person. He consented to a preliminary breath test, which reportedly yielded a 0.151.

Authorities say Benner has a prior felony conviction from Illinois, where he was convicted of felony sexual assault, as well as sex offender registry violations.

Benner was ultimately arrested and charged with intimidation with a dangerous weapon (class C felony), as well as dominion/control of a firearm by a felon (class D felony), reckless use of a firearm (aggravated misdemeanor), and possession or carrying of a dangerous weapon while under the influence (serious misdemeanor). He was transported to the Wapello County Jail, where he was later released after posting a $15,000 bond.