On Thursday, November 25, 2021, the Algona Police Department requested the assistance of the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation to investigate an officer-involved shooting which had occurred on the corner of Highway 169 and Norwood Drive in Algona.
The Algona Police Department responded to a disturbance call at the Super 8 Motel when officers encountered an individual, identified as Juan Cavazos, age 30. Cavazos failed to comply with officer’s commands and drove his vehicle toward an officer which resulted in the officer firing one round at Cavazos.
A pursuit then ensued with Cavazos, resulting in Cavazos losing control of his vehicle and crashing in rural Kossuth County. Cavazos was not injured as a result of the shooting incident however, sustained injuries due to the vehicle accident.
The officer has been identified as Algona Police Officer Grant Smith, who has been serving with the Algona Police Department since 2011.
Cavazos is currently facing the following charges and is being held at the Kossuth County Jail:
• Assault on a Peace Officer Using a Dangerous Weapon Class D Felony 708.3A(2)
• Attempted Burglary in the Second Degree Class D Felony 713.6
• Assault with Intent to Inflict Serious Injury Aggravated Misdemeanor 708.2(2)(1)
• Eluding – Injury, OWI, Drugs or Participate in Felony Class D Felony 321.279(3)(a)
• Operating While Under the Influence 1st Offense Serious Misdemeanor 321J.2(2)(a)
Upon completion of the investigation by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the results of the investigation will be forwarded to the Kossuth County Attorney’s Office.
ABOUT THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the largest law enforcement agency in the state. It includes six divisions and several bureaus, all working together with local, state and federal government agencies and the private sector, to keep Iowa a safe place by following our core values: leadership, integrity, professionalism, courtesy, service and protection. Divisions within the Iowa DPS: Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa State Fire Marshal Division, Iowa Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center, and Administrative Services Division. The Department of Public Safety is led by the Commissioner who is appointed by the Governor.
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215 E 7th St
Des Moines IA 50319
https://dps.iowa.gov