Dubuque police nab suspect in Sparta graduation threats

Sidie accused of wanting to kill relatives, then to be killed by cops

Police in Dubuque have arrested the Iowa man accused of making death threats that caused the cancellation of the Sparta High School commencement Friday. 

Sparta police report that 42-year-old Benjamin Sidie was captured without incident in Dubuque on Memorial Day. 

He’ll be brought back to Wisconsin to face charges.

Sidie was sought by police after allegedly threatening to kill family members who planned to attend the Sparta graduation ceremony, then force officers to kill him. 

The commencement was planned for last Friday, but was called off hours before the ceremony. 

School administrators plan to reschedule the graduation.