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Shootout with Cedar Rapids police leaves suspect dead
Reports of drive-by shooting lead to deadly police chase
The Gazette
Jan. 1, 2024 4:38 pm, Updated: Jan. 2, 2024 9:27 am
CEDAR RAPIDS — Cedar Rapids police officers responding to reports of a drive-by shooting Monday morning were fired on repeatedly by the driver of the fleeing suspected vehicle — until five officers returned fire and the driver died, state investigators said.
The names of the officers involved and the person killed were not released Monday by the state Division of Criminal Investigation, which is investigating the shooting. None of the officers was injured.
According to the DCI, the episode unfolded during a police chase that went on for miles on the city’s east side as the driver fired at pursuing officers on at least three occasions.
It began just before 6:30 a.m. New Year’s Day with reports that a vehicle — described in a state release as a sedan occupied by two white males — drove past the house at 414 Longwood Dr. NE, not far from Tomahawk Park, and opened fire. Authorities did not say whether anyone was in the house during the time.
Cedar Rapids police located the suspects and gave chase. Near First Avenue and 12th Street SE, the suspect driver aimed a rifle from inside the car and fired, investigators said. But the passenger “exited the vehicle,” authorities said, and was taken into custody. Authorities did not say what charges he faces.
The pursuit continued to Mount Vernon Road SE, where the suspect again fired at officers near 34th Street SE. The car left the roadway around the 5600 block of Mount Vernon Road SE, investigators said, and a “high risk stop” was conducted to halt the chase.
Despite officers’ commands, the suspect again opened fire from inside the car, and five officers returned fire. The driver was found dead in the car. It was not clear Monday how many times the driver was struck or by how many officers.
The Cedar Rapids Police Department asked the DCI Major Crime Unit to conduct the officer-involved shooting investigation. Upon completion of the investigation, the DCI said, a report will be filed with the Linn County attorney for review and determination.
The officers involved have been placed on leave, which is routine during an officer-involved shooting, while the investigation continues.