IDAHO FALLS — A local woman was arrested Monday after pointing what appeared to be a handgun at a police officer during a welfare check, prompting a SWAT response.

Wendy Burke, 56, of Idaho Falls, faces charges of assault on certain personnel, resisting and obstructing, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. She also had two outstanding Bingham County warrants.

The incident began to unfold when Idaho Falls police responded around 3 p.m. Monday to a residence on the 600 block of Lomax Street for a welfare check. A caller reported Burke had not been seen recently and expressed concern that a man staying at the residence may have harmed her.

Officers found a man outside the residence. Concerned Burke may be harmed, officers entered to check on her welfare. They called for her by name and announced they were police multiple times.

An officer opened a closet door and found Burke inside pointing what appeared to be a handgun at him, police said. The officer immediately exited the home.

Officers secured the area and called the SWAT team. The team made announcements directing Burke to exit and informing her she was under arrest. Burke did not respond. SWAT introduced an irritant gas into the residence. Burke then exited and peacefully surrendered.

After being advised of her Miranda rights, Burke told officers she did not want to go to jail and figured if she pointed a gun at police, they would shoot her, authorities said. Burke then said the gun was a toy. Officers found it was a wood and metal replica that looked realistic but could not function as a firearm.

Officers also found a .22-caliber rifle in a bathroom that had not been there during the initial search. Burke had been the only occupant of the home between searches, indicating she had retrieved the weapon during that time, police said.

After confirming Burke is a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms, officers obtained a search warrant to retrieve the rifle.

Burke was medically cleared at the scene and booked into Bonneville County Jail in Idaho Falls.