GRUNDY CENTER, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa man has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for fatally shooting an Iowa State Patrol trooper last year during a standoff and shootout with police. The mandatory sentence was handed down Monday, a little more than a month after a jury found 42-year-old Michael Lang guilty of first-degree murder, attempted murder and assaulting a police officer for his actions on April 9, 2021, that killed patrol Sgt. Jim Smith. Smith was shot as he led a tactical team into Lang’s home to arrest him following Lang’s assault of another officer during a traffic stop that day. Smith was a 27-year patrol veteran. Judge Joel Dalrymple also ordered Lang to pay $150,000 in restitution to Smith’s estate.
Man sentenced to life term for killing of Iowa state trooper
Jun 27, 2022 | 4:49 PM
LOCAL NEWS
Two Arrested After Late-Night Burglary at Atlantic Business; Third Suspect Sought
(Atlantic) Atlantic Police say two Des Moines men were arrested and a third suspect remains at large following a late-night burglary at Nishna Valley Cycle on April 1. At approximately 11:35 p.m., the...
5h ago
Atlantic School Board Faces Changes Following Resignation
(Atlantic) In January, the Atlantic School Board accepted Laura McLean's resignation as she and her husband announced their plans to relocate to the Quad Cities, leaving an open seat on the board. In ...
Mar 27, 2026
LOCAL SPORTS
Audubon Girls Track Results: Trojans 4x100 Achieve Blue Oval Standard
(Audubon, IA) -- For many it was the first outdoor meet of the season -- for Atlantic it was not but it was a big night for the Trojans 4x100 relay. The girls have qualified for the Drake Relays by a...
Mar 31, 2026
Audubon Boys Track Results: Bulldog Shuttle Hurdle Relay Sets School Record
(Audubon, IA) -- Audubon finished its two day early bird meet with the boys taking the track on Tuesday night and the guys did not have as good as conditions -- it was cold and windy but the front str...
Apr 01, 2026
