May 30, 2025
ELMA, Iowa - On May 28, 2025, at about 3:38 p.m., the Howard County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from Mark Michael Zweibohmer, 49, to conduct a welfare check at his residence located in rural Elma, Iowa. When law enforcement arrived on scene, Zweibohmer began shooting at responding officers. Officers returned fire. Zweibohmer was arrested and charged with four counts of attempted murder of a police officer.
No injuries were sustained by the responding officers or Zweibohmer. The names of the officers involved will be released on a later date.
The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation is investigating the officer-involved shooting incident. The Howard County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Iowa State Patrol, Cresco Police Department, Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office, Howard County Emergency Management, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
This is an ongoing investigation. No additional information will be released at this time.
Note: A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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