(Dallas Co) A traffic investigation early Tuesday morning escalated into a deadly confrontation when law enforcement officers were fired upon by a suspect near the 104-mile marker on Interstate 80 in Dallas County.
The incident began around 1:34 a.m., when a Dallas County Deputy and a Stuart Police Officer initiated a traffic stop east of the mile marker. According to authorities, the suspect opened fire on the officers without warning during the course of the investigation.
Additional units from the Adair County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, Adel Police Department, and more deputies from the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office were called to the scene. As they arrived, they too came under fire. Officers ultimately returned fire, striking the suspect, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Multiple law enforcement officers discharged their firearms during the incident. Per standard protocol, all officers and deputies involved have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is leading a thorough and independent investigation into the shooting. The names of the involved officers and deputies are currently being withheld, in accordance with notification procedures and the ongoing investigative process.
“This remains an active investigation,” officials stated in a midday update. “We are committed to transparency and will provide additional information as it becomes available and as the investigation allows.”
Authorities are encouraging anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. No further updates are expected for the remainder of the day.
