Testimony starts Friday for Chicago man accused of shooting deputy, robbery

CEDAR RAPIDS — A jury was selected late Thursday and opening statements begin Friday for a Chicago man accused of firing multiple rounds at a Linn County sheriff’s deputy while fleeing a convenience store robbery in Coggon.

Stanley L. Donahue, 38, is charged with attempted murder of a peace officer, two counts of first-degree robbery, two counts of false imprisonment, willful injury, attempt to elude, disarming a peace officer, trafficking in stolen weapons and possession of a firearm as a felon.

The prosecution thought testimony might start Thursday afternoon but jury selection took longer than expected.

Gazette reporter Trish Mehaffey will provide live coverage from the courtroom starting with openings 9 a.m. Friday.

The trial is expected to go into next week.

Donahue is accused of robbing the Casey’s General Store on Highway 13 in Coggon on June 20, 2021, forcing two clerks into a cooler and stealing cash, cigarette cartons and personal belongings, according to a criminal complaint.

Police said Donahue fired 10 rounds at Deputy William Halverson when he responded to the 10:19 p.m. alarm. Halverson, who had been a deputy for seven years at the time, was wearing a protective vest but suffered two gunshot wounds in the hip and leg.

Donahue took Halverson’s duty weapon and fled the scene in a minivan, but was captured after an overnight 14-hour search that involved drones and police dogs. The search ended when a TV news crew spotted him walking along Highway 13 near Coggon and notified authorities.

If Donahue is convicted of all 10 charges, he faces up to 112 years in prison with a mandatory 65 years to serve before being eligible for parole.

Donahue has remained in jail since arrest under a $2.5 million bond.

Comments: (319) 398-8318; trish.mehaffey@thegazette.com