April 6, 2024
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - On April 6, 2024, at approximately 6:37 pm, the Cedar Rapids Police Department (CRPD) received a 911 call in which a suspect requested an officer respond to his residence on 31st Street NE, Cedar Rapids, IA. A second 911 call was received where a second reporting party asked for officers to respond for a welfare check for the suspect. It was reported the suspect was making homicidal and suicidal statements and was armed with a weapon. CRPD Officers responded to the area and located the suspect and the male bystander who had requested assistance with the suspect’s erratic behavior.
Officers conducted a high risk approach and the suspect was observed with a weapon in his hands. The officers gave verbal commands to the suspect to drop the weapon. The suspect raised the weapon in the direction of officers. Three officers discharged their weapons at the suspect who immediately fell to the ground after being struck by gunfire. Emergency responders were called and the male suspect died while at the scene. The male bystander was also struck by gunfire and was transported to the hospital for treatment of multiple gunshot wounds. No officers were injured during the incident. There is no known threat to the public or community related to this incident.
The CRPD requested the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Major Crime Unit to conduct the officer involved shooting investigation. The DCI Laboratory Crime Scene Team assisted with the scene examination.
The suspect’s name will not be released at this time, pending a death notification to next of kin and final autopsy. The male bystander’s name will not be released at this time.
The three involved CRPD officers’ names and additional facts are not being released at this time and they have been placed on critical incident leave pending the completion of the investigation.
Upon completion of the investigation a report will be filed with the Linn County Attorney and Attorney General’s Office for review and use of force determination. No further information will be released at this time.
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.