(Stuart) The Stuart Police Department has released additional information about a previous harassment case involving Austin Reed and Toni Salazar, who Reed is accused of shooting and killing during this week’s deadly incident in Stuart.
The department said the information was released in response to public interest and what it described as conflicting and inaccurate information circulating on social media and in media reports about the prior case.
According to Stuart Police, officers responded July 9, 2026, to a verbal harassment complaint involving Reed and Salazar in the 200 block of SW 6th Street.
During the investigation, a Stuart police officer spoke with those involved, obtained written sworn statements from multiple witnesses and interviewed Reed about the allegations.
Police said the information gathered during the investigation established probable cause to charge Reed with Third-Degree Harassment, a simple misdemeanor.
Reed was issued a summons requiring him to appear in court. The victims declined a no-contact order at the time, according to police.
Reed later appeared in court as required and entered a plea of not guilty. The harassment charge remained pending when this week’s incident occurred.
The department said it is aware of recent reports alleging that additional harassment may have occurred. However, police said the July 9 incident was the first and only harassment involving Reed and Salazar that was reported to the Stuart Police Department.
Police acknowledged that the tragedy has left members of the community asking whether something could have been done differently.
“Those questions are understandable and important,” the department said, while emphasizing that discussions surrounding the case should be based on accurate information.
The department also asked that Salazar’s family and friends be afforded privacy and respect as they grieve.
Police identified both Salazar and Iowa State Patrol Trooper Chase Carruthers as members of the Stuart community and said its thoughts remain with Salazar’s family and friends, Carruthers and his family, and everyone affected by the events.
Austin Reed is presumed innocent of the charges against him unless and until he is proven guilty in court.
