Vinton police justified in firing guns during welfare check, county attorney says

Vinton officers were legally justified when they discharged their weapons during a welfare check earlier this month, the Benton County attorney said Thursday.

Two Vinton police offers used deadly force against Lyle A. Fowler II., of Vinton, when officers visited a home in the 700 block of C Avenue for a welfare check around 8 p.m. on Sept. 7, the county attorney's office said in a news release.

According to the release, Fowler shot his weapon 'in the direction of the officers' who returned fire.

Fowler, 43, was arrested, and no one was injured during the incident.

The determination that the use of deadly force was justified followed an investigation by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.

Fowler was charged with two counts of assault on a peace officer with a dangerous weapon, two counts of interference with official acts, and two counts of going armed with intent.