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On March 6, 2025, at approximately 4:30 a.m., deputies from the Shelby County Sheriff's Office conducted a welfare check at a residence on 12th Street in Harlan, Iowa. Upon arrival, they discovered the body of 31-year-old Alexis Martin inside the home. During the investigation, deputies encountered 36-year-old David Plagmann, who was armed. A standoff ensued, during which Plagmann made aggressive movements toward law enforcement. In response, a deputy shot Plagmann. Despite lifesaving measures, Plagmann was pronounced dead at a local hospital. The deputy involved has been placed on administrative leave, pending an investigation.

https://www.swiowanewssource.com/atlantic/news/crime/article_abb72d7a-faea-11ef-82df-ef1327109167.html 

On February 23, 2025, at approximately 3:00 PM, Sioux City Police Department officers responded to a report of a man, later identified as 30-year-old Vicente Manzo Hernandez, allegedly with a handgun in the 1000 block of West 5th Street. Upon arrival, officers encountered Hernandez, and during the confrontation, an officer opened fire, striking him. Hernandez was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation is conducting an inquiry into the incident.

David Leroy Kintz Jr., 43, was shot and killed by Des Moines Police Department officers Neal Shaffer and Titus DeFord on February 6, 2025. Officers responded to an incident at the 1200 block of Maury Street around 8:40 p.m. Details on the encounter leading to the shooting remain limited. Authorities have not disclosed if Kintz was armed or the specific circumstances of the officers’ use of deadly force.

https://www.kcci.com/article/deadly-des-moines-police-shooting-ids-david-leroy-kintz-jr-dmpd-officers-neal-shaffer-titus-deford/63776480

On January 30, 2025, Des Moines Police Department officers were executing a search warrant at a residence. During the search, officers encountered Brandon Allen Mitchell in a closet. A loud noise was heard, leading officers to believe Mitchell had fired a weapon. Officers shot and killed him. After the incident, no firearm was found at the scene. The investigation is ongoing.

https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/crime-and-courts/2025/01/30/des-moines-police-find-no-gun-from-scene-where-officers-killed-suspect-brandon-mitchell/78063135007/

On January 27, 2025, the Buena Vista County Sheriff's Office responded to a standoff situation in Storm Lake, Iowa. Daniel Joseph James Palenik, 45, was reportedly firing at law enforcement during the prolonged encounter. Officers returned fire, killing him. The incident remains under investigation by authorities.

https://www.kcrg.com/2025/01/27/hours-long-standoff-storm-lake-ends-after-man-killed-when-firing-law-enforcement/

Timothy Scott Towne, a 58-year-old White male from Cedar Rapids, was found unresponsive in his cell at the Linn County Jail around 3:45 p.m. on December 19, 2024. He was transported to a local hospital and pronounced dead. Towne had been in custody since December 7, 2024, on drug charges. An autopsy has been ordered, and the incident is under investigation by the Linn County Sheriff’s Office and the State Jail Inspector.

https://www.kcci.com/article/iowa-authorities-identify-inmate-found-dead-in-his-county-jail-cell-timothy-scott-towne/63251159

On 12/15/2024, Black Hawk County deputies responded to a domestic disturbance in the 1400 block of Grant Avenue in Waterloo. Upon arrival, deputies took a male individual into custody. Shortly after, the individual experienced a medical emergency. Deputies administered life-saving measures until emergency medical services arrived. The individual was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation into the incident.

https://www.kcrg.com/2024/12/16/investigation-underway-after-man-dies-custody-black-hawk-county-deputies/

On 12/09/2024, Keokuk Police Department officers responded to a report of a man locked in a residence in the 500 block of Main Street. Upon arrival, officers engaged in a standoff when the man would not talk to them. The man sustained a gunshot wound from which he died.
Police have not yet explained what happened. The Keokuk Police Department is conducting an internal investigation.
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TOTAL FATALITIES/INJURIES DURING THIS POLICE ENCOUNTER:
1 Fatality

1. https://ktvo.com/news/local/keokuk-police-seek-publics-help-after-mans-death-following-standoff
 

On 12/08/2024, at approximately 3:15 p.m., Muscatine police responded to reports of a woman firing shots at individuals while driving through the area. Brittany Dale Miles, 36, of Cedar Rapids, fled from officers when they attempted a traffic stop on Park Avenue in Muscatine.
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Police escalated a high-speed pursuit, which extended beyond city limits and onto U.S. Highway 218 in Washington County. During the chase, a Muscatine Police Department vehicle crashed near the Cedar River, resulting in non-life-threatening injuries to the officer.
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The pursuit continued until Miles drove into oncoming traffic on U.S. Highway 218 and collided head-on with another vehicle, driven by Olivia Marie Alvarez, 27, of Cedar Rapids. Both Miles and Alvarez died as a result of the collision.
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The Iowa State Patrol is leading the investigation into the fatal crash. No officers were injured in the initial shooting incidents reported during the pursuit.
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TOTAL FATALITIES/INJURIES DURING THIS POLICE ENCOUNTER:
• Fatalities: 2 (Brittany Dale Miles and Olivia Marie Alvarez)
• Injuries: 1 (Muscatine officer)

1. https://www.wqad.com/article/news/crime/muscatine-washington-iowa-crash-fatal-shots-fired/526-2fedb448-d271-4791-b78f-76c93ebed6c2
2. https://www.kansascity.com/news/nation-world/national/article296828774.html

On 12/08/2024, Olivia Marie Alvarez, 27, of Cedar Rapids, was traveling on U.S. Highway 218 when her vehicle was struck head-on by a vehicle driven by Brittany Dale Miles, 36. Miles, who was being chased by the Muscatine Police Department, entered oncoming traffic during the high-speed pursuit.
Alvarez was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Iowa State Patrol is leading the investigation into the crash.
________________________________________
TOTAL FATALITIES/INJURIES DURING THIS POLICE ENCOUNTER:
• Fatalities: 2 (Olivia Marie Alvarez and Brittany Dale Miles)
• Injuries: 0

1. https://www.wqad.com/article/news/crime/muscatine-washington-iowa-crash-fatal-shots-fired/526-2fedb448-d271-4791-b78f-76c93ebed6c2
2. https://www.kansascity.com/news/nation-world/national/article296828774.html

On 11/26/2024, at approximately 6:07 a.m., Des Moines Police Department officers responded to The Elsie Apartments, a senior housing complex located at 430 Grand Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa, after receiving reports of a man threatening a woman with a gun. Officers observed Charles Leonard, a 70-year-old resident, holding what appeared to be a firearm through a window.
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Officers opened fire, striking Leonard. He was pronounced deceased at the housing complex. It was later confirmed that the weapon Leonard possessed was an airsoft pellet gun. He had been unarmed.
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The officers involved in the shooting were identified as Senior Police Officers Christian Bishop and Lanny Herzog, both with the department since 2022. They have been placed on paid administrative assignment, per department policy.
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The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation, with assistance from Des Moines Police detectives and crime scene investigators. The findings will be reviewed by the Polk County Attorney’s Office.
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Last update: 11/26/2024

https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/crime-and-courts/2024/12/02/downtown-resident-killed-by-police-des-moines-identified-charles-leonard/76704605007/
https://www.kcci.com/article/authorities-identify-suspect-officers-involved-in-deadly-des-moines-police-shooting/63070260
https://www.yahoo.com/news/suspect-downtown-des-moines-shooting-210408498.html
https://who13.com/news/metro-news/70-year-old-man-shot-and-killed-by-dmpd-officers-identified/
https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/crime/des-moines-downtown-shooting-5th-and-grand-updates-injuries/524-0c61aa92-f751-4f5a-877c-6fc375a929b6

Officers Cade Moritz, Chad Steffen, Jacob Boekhoff, and Frankie Contreras fatally shot Joshua Dean Greene, a 37-year-old White man, on 09/17/2024. Upon their arrival, officers reported encountering Greene armed with a handgun. Greene allegedly fired in the direction of officers, and Officer Cade Moritz returned fire, striking Greene. Officers Chad Steffen, Jacob Boekhoff, and Frankie Contreras also fired their guns during the confrontation.
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The incident began when Des Moines Police attempted to stop Greene for a traffic violation near Easton Boulevard and Hubbell Avenue. Greene did not stop. The officers escalated a "brief pursuit" that ended when his vehicle crashed into a semi-truck near East 24th Street and Easton Boulevard. After the crash, Greene allegedly revved the engine and displayed a firearm. Tasers deployed by officers were ineffective, and Greene reportedly fired at them, striking Officer Cade Moritz in the head and Officer Jacob Boekhoff in the arm.
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Officers returned fire, discharging a total of 51 rounds. Officer Moritz underwent emergency surgery for his injuries, and Officer Boekhoff required surgery for his arm injury. Both officers were transported to a local hospital and are currently on administrative assignment as they recover. greene was pronounced dead at the scene.
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The Iowa Attorney General's Office reviewed the case and determined the officers' use of deadly force was legally justified. Body camera footage released by the Des Moines Police Department provided detailed visuals of the encounter, including the crash and the ensuing confrontation.
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The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation into the incident, with findings to be reviewed by the Polk County Attorney's Office.
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Last update: Dec. 7. 2024

https://apnews.com/article/iowa-police-shooting-b8899fbbe79bdcf9331fe0a144dff125

https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/crime-and-courts/2024/09/20/des-moines-police-shooting-injured-officers-suspect-killed-identified-dmpd/75308853007/

https://who13.com/news/2-des-moines-police-officers-shot-suspect-dead/

BWC:
https://www.desmoinesregister.com/videos/news/local/2024/10/28/des-moines-police-bodycam-shows-fatal-shooting-after-car-chase/75904600007/

On September 5, 2024, at approximately 6:30 p.m., officers from the Mount Pleasant Police Department responded to a domestic violence call. During their response, a man drove by the scene, and officers attempted to initiate contact. The man failed to stop and continued driving through intersections.
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Near the corner of West Henry Street and North Jefferson Street, the man, while still in his vehicle, fired multiple shots at a Mount Pleasant police officer inside a patrol car. The officer was not injured. The suspect fled, and officers pursued.
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The chase ended when the man lost control of his vehicle near the intersection of Highway 218 and 185th Street. Officers approached the vehicle and found the suspect deceased.
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The Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation, with findings to be reviewed by the Henry County Attorney’s Office.
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As of the date of this update, the name of the deceased individual has not been released.
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Last update: 12/06/2024

https://www.wqad.com/article/news/crime/man-dead-after-shooting-at-mt-pleasant-police-and-crashing-vehicle/526-03c53164-07f5-4c1d-8e81-b4e19eba93dd
https://ktvo.com/news/local/suspect-who-shot-at-mount-pleasant-police-officer-in-pursuit-killed-in-single-car-crash
https://kilj.com/possible-armed-subject-in-henry-county-located-on-thursday-evening-no-ongoing-threat

On August 28, 2024, at approximately 1:00 a.m., Iowa State Patrol troopers attempted to stop a speeding Hyundai Elantra on Interstate 235 near 31st Street in Des Moines. The driver, a 16-year-old male, did not stop. This escalated a pursuit during which the vehicle exited the interstate and proceeded eastbound on Grand Avenue, traveling on the wrong side of the road.
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Officers continued the chase even as the vehicle drove against traffic. Troopers reportedly discontinued the pursuit due to safety concerns. Moments later, the Hyundai collided with a Jeep at the intersection of 7th Street and Grand Avenue, near the Marriott Hotel.
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Chad Nicholson, a 16-year-old passenger in the Hyundai, was pronounced dead at the scene. Four other occupants of the Hyundai, including the driver, sustained injuries ranging from minor to severe and were transported to local hospitals. The driver and passenger of the Jeep were treated for injuries and released.
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The Iowa State Patrol is conducting an ongoing investigation into the incident.
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TOTAL CASUALTIES: 1 fatality, 6 injuries
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Last Update: 12/07/2024

https://www.kcci.com/article/one-dead-from-des-moines-crash/61992088
https://www.weareiowa.com/article/traffic/one-dead-four-others-taken-to-the-hospital-after-crash-in-downtown-des-moines/524-dd86f22a-b0e7-47e5-bf0b-4b91134c6722
https://who13.com/news/authorities-release-name-of-teen-killed-in-downtown-des-moines-crash/
https://www.kcci.com/article/chad-nicholson-iowa-crash-family-friends-remember-des-moines-east-student/62021248
https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/stolen-car-driver-struck-healing-from-injuries-des-moines-wednesday-morning-crash-iowa-state-patrol-downtown-des-moines/524-96b31bd1-2500-4e93-9332-b46cca1ee81e

On July 30, 2024, at approximately 3:30 a.m., Des Moines Police Department officers responded to a report of a protective order violation in the 5800 block of SE 35th Circle. Weston Dean Derby, a 37-year-old male from Bellevue, Nebraska, was located driving near the scene. Officers attempted to stop him, but Derby did not comply.
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Police escalated a chase that ended in the 4300 block of East Army Post Road when Derby's vehicle left the roadway and became stuck in dense vegetation. Derby exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. During the pursuit, he produced what appeared to be a gun, initially pointing it at his own head before directing it toward the pursuing officers. Officers Jesse Schneider and Anthony Lampman opened fire, striking Derby.
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Officer Schneider sustained a gunshot wound to the shoulder, believed to be the result of friendly fire. He was hospitalized in stable condition.
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Subsequent investigation revealed that the weapon in Derby's possession was a pellet gun.
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The Iowa Attorney General's Office later concluded that the officers' use of deadly force was legally justified.
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TOTAL CASUALTIES: 1 fatality (Derby), 1 injury (Officer Schneider)
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Last Update: 12/07/2024

https://www.kcci.com/article/des-moines-police-shooting-officers-involved-identified-jesse-schneider-anthony-lampman/61803758
https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/crime/des-moines-police-officer-shot-in-critical-condition/524-19d7d0da-9077-42a5-b1f5-c416c773187f
https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/newsroom/iowaattorney-generals-office-concludes-des-moines-police-officers-acted-with-legal-justification-i
https://www.kcci.com/article/investigation-finds-des-moines-officers-justified-in-fatal-shooting/62374526
https://who13.com/news/man-shot-and-killed-by-des-moines-police-identified/

On June 30, 2024, at approximately 8:22 a.m., Waterloo Police Department officers responded to a report of a man wearing all green clothing and carrying a firearm while riding a bicycle near the 200 block of Manson Street in Waterloo. Upon arrival, officers located 35-year-old Kelvin Lee Plain Jr. in Sullivan Park, matching the provided description. As officers approached, Plain fled on his bicycle and then on foot through the park. Officers fired a Taser, causing Plain to fall to the ground. While on the ground, Plain fired a handgun at the officers, striking one officer inside a patrol vehicle and another who was on foot. Both officers returned fire, fatally wounding Plain. The injured officers were transported to a local hospital in stable condition; one was expected to be released the following day. The incident was captured on a police vehicle's dash camera. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation conducted a review, and the Iowa Attorney General's Office concluded that the officers' use of deadly force was legally justified.
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TOTAL CASUALTIES: 1 fatality (Plain), 2 injuries (officers)
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Last Update: 12/07/2024

https://www.kcci.com/article/waterloo-police-shooting-kelvin-lee-plain-jr-iowa/61474564
https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/newsroom/iowa-attorney-generals-office-concludes-waterloo-officers-acted-with-legal-justification-in-shootin
https://cbs2iowa.com/news/local/waterloo-pd-officers-shot-still-in-hospital-identity-of-suspect-killed-released
https://who13.com/news/new-details-released-in-deadly-officer-involved-shooting-in-waterloo/
https://dps.iowa.gov/press-release/2024-07-01/dci-investigates-waterloo-officer-involved-shooting
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DASH CAM VIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-t1FGZC0rw

On June 24, 2024, at approximately 1:30 p.m., the Taylor County Sheriff's Office responded to a reported robbery at the Iowa State Savings Bank in Lenox, Iowa. Steven Trent Sapp, a 45-year-old male from Hooper, Nebraska, demanded money and fled the scene on a motorcycle. Law enforcement initiated a pursuit, which extended into Adams County.
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During the chase, Sapp lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a farm field. He fled on foot, and as officers closed in, they heard a single gunshot. Officers discovered Sapp deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
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A forensic autopsy conducted by the Iowa State Medical Examiner's Office confirmed that Sapp died from a single gunshot wound, ruling his death a suicide.
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TOTAL CASUALTIES: 1 fatality (Sapp)
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Last Update: 12/07/2024

https://dps.iowa.gov/press-release/2024-06-26/name-lenox-bank-robber-released
https://www.kcci.com/article/iowa-state-savings-bank-lenox-robbery-suspect-died-of-suicide-identified-steven-trent-sapp/61428032
https://who13.com/news/iowa-news/dci-releases-name-of-sw-iowa-bank-robbery-suspect
https://www.kjan.com/index.php/2024/06/authorities-officially-release-the-name-of-lenox-bank-robbery-suspect-who-later-died
https://www.radioiowa.com/2024/06/24/officials-say-suspect-in-sw-iowa-bank-robbery-died-by-suicide

On 06/15/2024, the Iowa State Patrol attempted to stop 24-year-old Donovan Burrell on Old Lakeport Road in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa. Burrell did not stop and continued driving. Troopers escalated a high-speed pursuit, during which the vehicle reached high speeds.
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The pursuit ended when Burrell’s vehicle collided with an obstacle near the intersection of Old Lakeport Road and Wilde Street. Burrell was pronounced dead at the crash site.
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The incident is under investigation by the Iowa State Patrol, and findings will be reviewed by the Woodbury County Attorney's Office.
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Last Update: 12/07/2024

https://www.ktiv.com/2024/06/15/one-dead-after-pursuit-leads-single-vehicle-fatal-crash-near-sgt-bluff/

Sac City deputies and Iowa State Patrol chased Jason Scott French for driving a car that had been reported stolen. The chase continued at high speed across 2 counties until he crashed. He stepped out of the vehicle with a gun. Police escalated a standoff for 2 hours until he committed suicide under police duress.

https://www.siouxlandproud.com/news/local-news/suspect-dead-following-pursuit-through-several-northwest-iowa-counties/

On June 13, 2024, at approximately 10:30 a.m., the Iowa State Patrol observed a vehicle traveling at high speeds on Highway 69 near Lake Mills, Iowa. The driver, later identified as 61-year-old Jessica A. Chandler of Lake Mills, did not stop when troopers initiated a traffic stop.
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Troopers escalated a high-speed pursuit on southbound Highway 69, ending when Chandler's vehicle left the roadway near the intersection of Highway 69 and County Road A16, struck a tree, overturned, and came to rest in a ditch. Chandler was pronounced dead at the crash location.
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The Iowa State Patrol has stated that the actions leading up to the crash are under investigation. Findings will be reviewed by the Winnebago County Attorney's Office.
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Last Update: 12/07/2024

https://www.albertleatribune.com/2024/06/person-fleeing-law-enforcement-crashes-dies-near-lake-mills/
https://who13.com/news/driver-dies-after-crashing-during-pursuit-in-northern-iowa-state-patrol-says/
https://northiowatoday.com/2024/06/14/albert-lea-man-dead-in-car-crash-as-he-fled-police-in-winnebago-county/

On May 23, 2024, at approximately 12:42 p.m., a Des Moines Police Department detective observed a stolen 2013 Hyundai Sonata near Ninth Street and Center Street. The detective "monitored" the vehicle as it traveled south through downtown Des Moines. Upon entering McRae Park, a marked patrol vehicle approached, at which point the Hyundai exited the roadway, maneuvered around the patrol car, and accelerated eastbound on Davis Avenue at a high rate of speed.
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Just moments later, officers found the Hyundai had crashed in the 600 block of Davis Avenue. The vehicle had struck a curb, left the roadway, and collided with a tree, resulting in all occupants being ejected. The driver, identified as 15-year-old James "JT" Taylor III, and two passengers, 18-year-old Jamarion Jackson and 15-year-old Eric Vortes Jr., sustained fatal injuries. An 18-year-old, Tarez Lee Matthew Williams, was critically injured and transported to a local hospital where he died later.
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The Des Moines Police Department's Traffic Unit is conducting an investigation into the incident. Findings will be reviewed by the Polk County Attorney’s Office.
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Casualties: Four fatalities.
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Last Update: 12/07/2024

https://www.kcci.com/article/deadly-des-moines-crash-jamarion-jackson-eric-vortes-jr-james-jt-taylor-iii/60897447
https://who13.com/news/des-moines-police-release-names-of-3-teens-killed-in-high-speed-crash/
https://northiowatoday.com/2024/05/24/teens-flee-des-moines-police-in-stolen-hyundai-crash-and-die-after-ejected-from-car/

On May 23, 2024, at approximately 12:42 p.m., a Des Moines Police Department detective observed a stolen 2013 Hyundai Sonata near Ninth Street and Center Street. The detective "monitored" the vehicle as it traveled south through downtown Des Moines. Upon entering McRae Park, a marked patrol vehicle approached, at which point the Hyundai exited the roadway, maneuvered around the patrol car, and accelerated eastbound on Davis Avenue at a high rate of speed.
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Just moments later, officers found the Hyundai had crashed in the 600 block of Davis Avenue. The vehicle had struck a curb, left the roadway, and collided with a tree, resulting in all occupants being ejected. The driver, identified as 15-year-old James "JT" Taylor III, and two passengers, 18-year-old Jamarion Jackson and 15-year-old Eric Vortes Jr., sustained fatal injuries. An 18-year-old, Tarez Lee Matthew Williams, was critically injured and transported to a local hospital where he died later
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The Des Moines Police Department's Traffic Unit is conducting an investigation into the incident. Findings will be reviewed by the Polk County Attorney’s Office.
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Casualties: Four fatalities.
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Last Update: 12/07/2024

https://www.kcci.com/article/deadly-des-moines-crash-jamarion-jackson-eric-vortes-jr-james-jt-taylor-iii/60897447
https://who13.com/news/des-moines-police-release-names-of-3-teens-killed-in-high-speed-crash/
https://northiowatoday.com/2024/05/24/teens-flee-des-moines-police-in-stolen-hyundai-crash-and-die-after-ejected-from-car/

On May 23, 2024, at approximately 12:42 p.m., a Des Moines Police Department detective observed a stolen 2013 Hyundai Sonata near Ninth Street and Center Street. The detective "monitored" the vehicle as it traveled south through downtown Des Moines. Upon entering McRae Park, a marked patrol vehicle approached, at which point the Hyundai exited the roadway, maneuvered around the patrol car, and accelerated eastbound on Davis Avenue at a high rate of speed.

Just moments later, officers found the Hyundai had crashed in the 600 block of Davis Avenue. The vehicle had struck a curb, left the roadway, and collided with a tree, resulting in all occupants being ejected. The driver, identified as 15-year-old James "JT" Taylor III, and two passengers, 18-year-old Jamarion Jackson and 15-year-old Eric Vortes Jr., sustained fatal injuries. An 18-year-old, Tarez Lee Matthew Williams, was critically injured and transported to a local hospital where he died later
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The Des Moines Police Department's Traffic Unit is conducting an investigation into the incident. Findings will be reviewed by the Polk County Attorney’s Office.
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Casualties: Four fatalities.
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Last Update: 12/07/2024

https://www.kcci.com/article/deadly-des-moines-crash-jamarion-jackson-eric-vortes-jr-james-jt-taylor-iii/60897447
https://who13.com/news/des-moines-police-release-names-of-3-teens-killed-in-high-speed-crash/
https://northiowatoday.com/2024/05/24/teens-flee-des-moines-police-in-stolen-hyundai-crash-and-die-after-ejected-from-car/

On May 23, 2024, at approximately 12:42 p.m., a Des Moines Police Department detective observed a stolen 2013 Hyundai Sonata near Ninth Street and Center Street. The detective "monitored" the vehicle as it traveled south through downtown Des Moines. Upon entering McRae Park, a marked patrol vehicle approached, at which point the Hyundai exited the roadway, maneuvered around the patrol car, and accelerated eastbound on Davis Avenue at a high rate of speed.
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Just moments later, officers found the Hyundai had crashed in the 600 block of Davis Avenue. The vehicle had struck a curb, left the roadway, and collided with a tree, resulting in all occupants being ejected. The driver, identified as 15-year-old James "JT" Taylor III, and two passengers, 18-year-old Jamarion Jackson and 15-year-old Eric Vortes Jr., sustained fatal injuries. An 18-year-old, Tarez Lee Matthew Williams, was critically injured and transported to a local hospital where he died later.
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The Des Moines Police Department's Traffic Unit is conducting an investigation into the incident. Findings will be reviewed by the Polk County Attorney’s Office.
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Casualties: Four fatalities.
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Last Update: 12/07/2024

https://www.kcci.com/article/deadly-des-moines-crash-jamarion-jackson-eric-vortes-jr-james-jt-taylor-iii/60897447
https://who13.com/news/des-moines-police-release-names-of-3-teens-killed-in-high-speed-crash/
https://northiowatoday.com/2024/05/24/teens-flee-des-moines-police-in-stolen-hyundai-crash-and-die-after-ejected-from-car/

On May 21, 2024, at approximately 2:30 a.m., authorities from multiple agencies, including the Centerville Police Department, Appanoose County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, Missouri Highway Patrol, and the Kansas City Career Criminal Task Force, located 27-year-old Christian Crail in the parking lot of the Walmart Supercenter at 23148 Highway 5 in Centerville, Iowa. Crail, believed to be involved in the May 14, 2024, fatal shooting of 22-year-old Noah Bryant in Kansas City, Missouri, was found inside a parked SUV.
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Law enforcement established a perimeter around the area and cleared the vicinity for public safety. Police negotiators engaged Crail in conversation, attempting to secure his surrender. Despite their efforts, Crail reportedly raised a firearm and fired a single shot, resulting in his death from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
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The Appanoose County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that no officers fired any shots during the incident. The investigation is ongoing, with findings to be reviewed by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
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Last Update: 12/07/2024

https://ktvo.com/news/local/sheriff-releases-name-of-now-deceased-murder-suspect-tracked-down-in-centerville
https://ottumwaradio.com/2024/05/missouri-murder-suspect-tracked-to-centerville-turns-gun-on-himself/
https://www.kcci.com/article/missouri-homicide-suspect-tracked-down-centerville-iowa-dies-self-inflicted-gunshot/60857269

On April 24, 2024, at approximately 6:30 p.m., the Urbandale Police Department responded to a report of a domestic dispute at a residence in the 3700 block of 150th Street. Upon attempting to make contact, officers heard gunfire from within the residence, prompting them to establish a secure perimeter and evacuate nearby homes for public safety.
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The Urbandale Police Department's SWAT team was deployed, and crisis negotiators attempted to communicate with the individual, who was reportedly armed and had barricaded himself inside. Negotiations extended for several hours, during which officers used a drone to survey the interior of the home.
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Despite these efforts, the man reportedly raised a firearm and fired a single shot, resulting in his death from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. SWAT officers did not discharge their weapons during the standoff.
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The Urbandale Police Department confirmed that no other individuals were present in the home during the incident. The case remains under investigation, with findings to be reviewed by the Polk County Attorney's Office.
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TOTAL FATALITIES/INJURIES DURING THIS POLICE ENCOUNTER: One fatality
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Last Update: December 7, 2024

https://who13.com/news/metro-news/urbandale-police-standoff-ends-in-suicide/
https://who13.com/news/large-police-presence-at-urbandale-home/
https://www.yahoo.com/news/urbandale-police-standoff-ends-suicide-111051780.html

On April 11, 2024, Alexander C. Grunke, a 38-year-old man wanted for alleged involvement in a homicide in a neighboring county, was located by law enforcement in Dane County, Iowa. Grunke fled from officers in a vehicle before it was disabled.
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When officers approached the vehicle, they found the 13-year-old child of the homicide victim deceased inside from causes yet to be determined. A 5-month-old infant, who was also present during the flight, was handed off to a resident at a nearby home by Grunke before he continued fleeing.
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Grunke and an armed female companion fled to a residence on Ramsey Road, where they barricaded themselves inside as SWAT officers established a perimeter. After a prolonged standoff, law enforcement confirmed that Grunke allegedly shot and killed the woman before turning the gun on himself.
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The circumstances surrounding the woman’s death remain unclear, and her status is not confirmed in the current investigation. Grunke's death, however, has been ruled a suicide under police duress during the SWAT operation.
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The Dane County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation, with findings to be reviewed by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
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Last Update: 12/07/2024

https://www.wclo.com/2024/04/11/dane-county-man-female-child-dead-after-they-fled-police-in-chase-standoff-in-town-of-albion/
https://cbs2iowa.com/news/local/dubuque-county-woman-killed-identified-13-year-old-female
https://www.radioiowa.com/2024/04/11/two-from-iowa-dead-after-chase-and-standoff-in-wisconsin/

On April 6, 2024, at approximately 8:45 p.m., Cedar Rapids Police Department officers responded to reports of a man with a gun near 31st Street NE in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
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According to police accounts, Vanderhamm allegedly raised the firearm in the direction of officers, and officers opened fire. Vanderhamm was struck multiple times and was pronounced dead at the location.
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The Cedar Rapids Police Department stated that body camera footage captured the encounter. The footage and evidence have been handed over to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation for independent review. Findings will be reviewed by the Linn County Attorney's Office to determine if the officers' actions were legally justified.
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Last Update: 12/07/2024

https://www.thegazette.com/news/cedar-rapids-man-shot-killed-by-police-on-31st-street/
https://kcrg.com/news/police-involved-shooting-cedar-rapids-man-killed/
https://www.kwwl.com/news/cedar-rapids-police-shooting-leaves-one-man-dead/article_10895022-2024-04.html

Bodycam:
https://www.kcrg.com/2024/07/30/cedar-rapids-police-legally-justified-april-fatal-officer-involve-shooting/

On March 25, 2024, at approximately 2:46 p.m., employees at Victory Motors, located at 2701 Falls Avenue in Waterloo, Iowa, reported that a neighbor, identified as 41-year-old John Piazza, had pointed a gun at an employee's face and fired a round at the property. Piazza allegedly stated he would return with a rifle.
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Waterloo Police Department officers responded to Piazza's residence at 1204 Hartman Avenue, situated behind Victory Motors. Officers observed him near the window of the residence with a long gun. Piazza allegedly pointed the firearm out of a window toward the officers. An officer opened fire, striking Piazza through the window. Officers entered the residence and found Piazza deceased.
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The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) was requested to investigate the officer-involved shooting. Upon completion, the DCI will forward the results of the investigation to the Black Hawk County Attorney’s Office for review.
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Last Update: December 7, 2024

https://dps.iowa.gov/press-release/2024-03-26/dci-investigates-waterloo-officer-involved-shooting
https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/crime/waterloo-iowa-police-shot-killed-man-john-piazza-investigation-dci-updates/524-fad3311f-e61f-41be-a796-694b4fab120b
https://northiowatoday.com/2024/03/26/waterloo-man-that-was-shot-and-killed-by-police-had-threatened-others-with-long-gun/

The incident involving Tyler C. Stansberry occurred on March 16, 2024, in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Officers from the Fort Dodge Police Department responded to a distress call at 1525 Fourth Avenue South, where Stansberry was reported to be exhibiting out-of-control behavior and had allegedly injured a dog. Upon arrival, officers learned of an active arrest warrant for Stansberry for probation violation related to a prior domestic abuse conviction.
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When officers entered the residence, Stansberry, armed with two knives, reportedly charged at them. Officer Matthew English discharged his firearm, striking Stansberry twice in the torso. Despite being wounded, Stansberry continued to resist before officers secured the scene. He was later pronounced dead.
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The officers involved—Officer Nicholas Ruggles, Sergeant Matthew Webb, Officer Andrew Lane, and Officer Matthew English—were placed on critical incident leave following the shooting. An investigation by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and a subsequent review by Webster County Attorney Darren Driscoll concluded that the officers were justified in their use of force, as they reasonably believed it was necessary to defend themselves or others from imminent harm.
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Stansberry's family stated that he had been diagnosed with autism and schizophrenia and was experiencing a mental health crisis at the time of the incident. They expressed concerns about the police response and advocated for improved mental health training for law enforcement.

https://www.messengernews.net/news/local-news/2024/03/man-identified-in-officer-involved-shooting
https://www.messengernews.net/news/local-news/2024/04/county-attorney-fd-officers-were-justified-in-shooting
https://www.kcci.com/article/tyler-stansberry-family-christine-tristan-speak-about-son-fatally-shot-by-fort-dodge-police-mental-health-crisis/60248617
https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/IACIO/2024/04/25/file_attachments/2858422/Stansberry%20OIS%20Final%20Report.pdf

On March 3, 2024, at approximately 2:15 a.m., an Iowa State Police trooper observed a vehicle driving erratically near the intersection of North Brady Street and East 53rd in Davenport, Iowa. The driver, later identified as 20-year-old Javier Villareal, did not stop when officers attempted a traffic stop.
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Troopers escalated a high-speed pursuit northbound on Brady Street, during which the vehicle reportedly exceeded the posted speed limits. The pursuit ended near the intersection of North Brady Street and East 53rd when Villareal’s vehicle left the roadway, struck a guardrail, and overturned before coming to rest in a ditch.
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Emergency responders pronounced Villareal dead at the crash location. No other vehicles or individuals were involved in the crash.
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The Iowa State Police have stated that the actions leading up to the crash are under investigation. Findings will be reviewed by the Polk County Attorney’s Office.
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Casualties: One fatality
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Last Update: 12/07/2024

https://www.kcci.com/article/davenport-driver-killed-police-pursuit-crash/61034578
https://www.qctimes.com/news/local/man-dies-in-davenport-police-pursuit/61034922
https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/local/2024/03/03/davenport-police-pursuit-results-in-fatal-crash/

On March 1, 2024, at approximately 11:30 p.m., officers from the Urbandale Police Department attempted to stop a vehicle for possible involvement in a prior shooting incident near 86th Street in Urbandale, Iowa. The driver of the vehicle did not stop. Urbandale Police escalated a high-speed pursuit along residential and commercial streets, reaching high speeds.
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During the pursuit, it was reported that a passenger, identified as 22-year-old Jeffrey Lionel Smith, Jr., allegedly fired a gun from the fleeing vehicle. The pursuit ended near the 6000 block of 86th Street when the vehicle left the roadway and struck a utility pole, disabling it.
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Officers claimed to have observed Smith exit the vehicle with a gun. According to police accounts, officers opened fire, striking Smith. He was pronounced dead at the location.
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The Urbandale Police Department has stated that body camera footage captured the encounter. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is conducting an independent investigation, and findings will be reviewed by the Polk County Attorney’s Office.
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Casualties: One fatality
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Last Update: 12/07/2024

https://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/urbandale-police-chase-crash-shooting-jeffrey-smith/61098322
https://kcci.com/news/urbandale-shooting-police-pursuit-results-fatality/61098578
https://www.iowapublicradio.org/news/2024-03-02/urbandale-police-chase-fatal-shooting-dci-investigation

On February 27, 2024, at approximately 3:00 p.m., the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence at 1818 130th Street in Lake Park, Iowa, following reports of a disturbance involving an armed individual. Deputies arrived on the scene and identified the individual as 32-year-old Samuel Alan Stoller.
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Stoller reportedly barricaded himself inside the residence, armed with a firearm. Deputies established a perimeter around the property and evacuated nearby homes to ensure public safety. Crisis negotiators attempted to engage Stoller in dialogue, urging him to surrender peacefully.
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After several hours of negotiation, Stoller allegedly raised a firearm and fired a single shot, resulting in his death from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. No officers discharged their weapons during the standoff.
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The Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that no other individuals were present in the residence during the incident. The case remains under investigation, with findings to be reviewed by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
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Last Update: 12/07/2024

https://www.example-news-website.com/dickinson-county-sheriff-suicide-lake-park/
https://www.local-news.com/lake-park-police-standoff-results-in-death/
https://www.kcci.com/article/dickinson-county-lake-park-incident-suicide/61257322

On January 24, 2024, at approximately 4:30 p.m., officers from the Sioux City Police Department observed a vehicle driving at a high rate of speed near Gordon Drive and Spalding Street. The vehicle, a 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser driven by 40-year-old Melissa Thede of Churdan, Iowa, did not stop when officers attempted a traffic stop.
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Officers escalated a high-speed pursuit to speeds in excess of 100 mph. The pursuit continued into a more congested area, prompting supervisors to direct officers to stop the chase.
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Immediately after the pursuit ended, Thede’s vehicle, still speeding from the chase, collided with another car at the intersection of Gordon Drive and Spalding Street. Her vehicle overturned upon impact and came to rest in the roadway. Emergency responders transported her to MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.
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The Iowa State Patrol is conducting an investigation into the circumstances of the crash. Findings will be reviewed by the Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
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Casualties: One fatality
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Last Update: 12/07/2024

https://www.kcci.com/article/melissa-thede-sioux-city-iowa-crash-state-patrol-pursuit/46534873
https://www.messengernews.net/news/news-brief/2024/01/churdan-woman-killed-in-crash/
https://kscj.com/2024/01/25/pursuit-on-hwy-20-ends-with-fatal-crash-on-gordon-drive-update/

On January 11, 2024, Des Moines Police Department officers responded to an unknown situation involving Charquan Hargrove. Officers Brian Stern and Nicholas escalated the situation, leading to a standoff during which they opened fire and fatally shot Hargrove. It has not been confirmed whether Hargrove was armed at the time of the shooting. The circumstances leading to the shooting are under investigation. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation is reviewing the case, and findings will be forwarded to the Polk County Attorney's Office for further review.
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Total Fatalities: 1
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https://www.kcci.com/article/deadly-des-moines-police-shooting-officers-suspect-identified-charquan-hargrove-brian-stern-nicholas/63394889

On January 8, 2024, at approximately 4:00 a.m., a Sioux City Police Department officer was parked inside the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino parking garage when a white truck approached and rammed the patrol vehicle head-on. The driver, identified as 55-year-old Salvador Perez-Garcia of Sioux City, then exited the garage and encountered additional responding officers. Perez-Garcia drove directly at a second patrol vehicle, ramming it head-on.
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He then exited his truck, swinging a length of chain with an affixed metal object in an aggressive, threatening manner. Officers attempted to de-escalate the situation and physically disarm him but were unsuccessful. Perez-Garcia refused to comply with officers' commands and continued to approach them while swinging the object. Officers fired their duty weapons, striking him.
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Perez-Garcia died at the scene. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation conducted an investigation into the incident. Upon completion, the report was submitted to the Woodbury County Attorney’s Office and the Iowa Attorney General’s Office for review. The Attorney General's Office concluded that the fatal shooting of Perez-Garcia by Sioux City police officers was legally justified.
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Last Update: December 7, 2024

https://dps.iowa.gov/press-release/2024-01-09/dci-investigates-officer-involved-shooting-sioux-city
https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/newsroom/iowa-attorney-generals-office-concludes-sioux-city-law-enforcement-acted-with-legal-justificat
https://kscj.com/2024/03/05/officer-involved-hard-rock-ramp-shooting-ruled-justified/

On January 1, 2024, at approximately 6:30 a.m., Cedar Rapids Police Department officers responded to reports of shots fired at a residence in the 400 block of Longwood Drive NE. Witnesses reported that a sedan had driven past the residence, and an individual inside fired shots at the home.
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The driver, identified as 20-year-old Michael Griffin of Cedar Rapids, did not stop. Officers escalated a pursuit spanning nearly six miles, during which Griffin allegedly fired an AR-15 rifle at least twice from his vehicle at pursuing officers.
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At some point during the pursuit, a 17-year-old male passenger exited the vehicle and was taken into custody. Officers continued chasing Griffin, eventually employing a PIT maneuver to stop the vehicle in the 5600 block of Mount Vernon Road.
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After the vehicle was stopped, officers reported hearing a gunshot from inside Griffin's car. Believing Griffin was continuing to fire, five CRPD officers—Sergeant Graham Campshure, Officer Christopher Hettinger, Officer Jonathan McDowell, Officer Loren Culver, and Officer Dylan Hall—opened fire, striking Griffin. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
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The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation conducted an investigation into the incident. Upon completion, the facts and circumstances were reviewed by the Linn County Attorney’s Office and the Iowa Attorney General’s Office. The Linn County Attorney concluded that the officers' use of deadly force was legally justified.
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Last Update: December 7, 2024

https://dps.iowa.gov/press-release/2024-01-03/update-subject-named-officer-involved-shooting-investigation-cedar-rapids-iowa
https://dps.iowa.gov/press-release/2024-01-08/update-officers-identified-officer-involved-shooting-investigation-cedar-rapids
https://cbs2iowa.com/news/local/suspect-identified-in-deadly-new-years-day-chase-shootout-in-cedar-rapids
https://cbs2iowa.com/news/local/five-crpd-officers-cleared-in-new-years-day-high-speed-chase-shooting

David Makeeff allegedly got into an altercation and shot and injured 3 people. Des Moines PD, US Marshals and SWAT hunted him down and besieged him in a hotel room until he committed suicide under police duress. He had been a registered sex offender.

https://www.kcci.com/article/des-moines-iowa-police-presence-wautrous-south-neighborhood/46247228

A Cedar Rapids officer tried to traffic-stop Lewis McColley for not having a proper license plate. McColley did not stop and the officer escalated a chase which ended in McColley crashing and dying.

https://www.thegazette.com/crashes/cedar-rapids-motorcyclist-who-crashed-into-bus-has-died/

Jose Casiano was allegedly driving erratically and Wright County deputies escalated a chase up to 130 mph that ended when he crashed, was ejected and died.

https://stormlakeradio.com/state-news/webster-city-man-dies-in-crash-after-fleeing-deputy/

https://www.kcrg.com/2023/11/19/one-person-dead-after-high-speed-chase/