March 26, 2024
WATERLOO, Iowa - On March 25, 2024, the Waterloo Police Department requested the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation to investigate an officer-involved shooting that occurred at 1204 Hartman Avenue in Waterloo.
At 2:46 p.m., employees at Victory Motors, located at 2701 Falls Avenue, called 911 to report that a neighbor, later identified as John Piazza, age 41, of 1204 Hartman Avenue in Waterloo, put a gun to an employee’s face and fired a round at the property. Employees stated Piazza told them he would return with a rifle. Employees reported he was wearing jeans and a T-shirt, had a long beard, and was bald.
Waterloo PD responded to 1204 Hartman Avenue, just behind Victory Motors, and observed a male fitting the description near the windows of the residence with a long gun. A Waterloo police officer observed Piazza point a long gun out of a window towards officers. The officer fired at Piazza, striking him. Officers entered the residence and found Piazza deceased.
This incident remains under investigation. Upon completion, the Iowa DCI will forward the results of the investigation to the Blackhawk County Attorney’s Office for review.
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 seven 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, Professional Development and Support Services Division, and Administrative Services Division. The Department of Public Safety is led by the Commissioner who is appointed by the Governor.
Iowa Department of Public Safety
215 E. 7th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319
215 E 7th St
Des Moines, IA 50319
Director of the Division of Professional Development & Support Services.