June 4, 2026
WEST BRANCH, Iowa - On June 3, 2026, the West Branch Police Department (WBPD) requested assistance from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) with an officer-involved shooting.
On June 3, 2026, at approximately 9:41 a.m., law enforcement received a 911 call reference an alleged domestic dispute in the 300 block of West Orange Street in West Branch. Officers responded and encountered a male, identified as Kalen Tihpen, 22, at the residence. During the encounter, a West Branch Officer fired his weapon, striking Tihpen. Tihpen fled the residence and was taken into custody a short time later. He was transported to a medical facility and treated for a gunshot wound.
The involved WBPD Officer was uninjured and will remain on critical incident leave in accordance with WBPD policy pending a review by the Cedar County Attorney.
Agencies involved in the response to this incident include WBPD, Iowa State Patrol, National Parks Service Law Enforcement Rangers, Cedar County Sheriff’s Office, and DCI.
DCI was requested to investigate the officer-involved shooting. Once the investigation is complete, findings will be forwarded to the Cedar County Attorney for review.
This is an ongoing investigation, and no other details are being 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 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.
Iowa Department of Public Safety
215 E 7th St
Des Moines IA 50319
https://dps.iowa.gov