Video footage released of fatal Cedar Rapids officer-involved shooting

CEDAR RAPIDS — The Cedar Rapids Police Department released body camera footage Thursday of a fatal officer-involved shooting on Aug. 30.

William Isaac Rich, 22, of Cedar Rapids, was shot early in the morning on Aug. 30 after police were called to the Inn Circle, 5560 Sixth St SW “regarding violent domestic issues,” according to a news release from the Cedar Rapids Police Department.

The video released by police starts with Cedar Rapids Police Chief Wayne Jerman explaining the incident that led to the shooting.

According to Jerman, dispatchers were told a woman had been assaulted by her husband, who was later identified as William Rich. He had reportedly choked the woman, punched her in the head and attempted to drown her.

Sgt. Bryson Garringer and Investigator Christopher Christy were the first officers to arrive at the scene. The body camera footage shows the two officers approaching Rich outside the apartment building. He looks to be walking toward a woman who can be heard saying “No, no. You did it once again, William.”

The officers grab Rich and tell him put his hands up and “knock it off.” Rich struggles and a fight ensues. One officer’s body cameras falls off during the fight. Rich can be seen holding a knife. A portion of the released video is in slow motion and pauses to point out moments when the knife can be seen on video. Pictures of the knife are shown at the end of the video. It appears rusted and crooked, and is 8.46 inches long, according to the information in the video.

At one point during the fight, Rich is pushed back and three gunshots can be heard, followed by an officer shouting “Get on the ground, now.” Rich falls over but attempts to get back up, at which point four more gunshots are heard and Rich stops moving.

Rich had a previous history with domestic violence charges. About a week before he was shot, he pleaded guilty to one count of felony domestic abuse assault and was given a suspended five-year sentence.

Rich’s family held a peaceful protest Tuesday in front of the Linn County Courthouse on May’s Island. The protesters shouted things like “Hands up, don’t shoot,” “Release the body” and “No justice, no peace” and carried signs.

The family had planned another protest for Thursday evening in front of the police station, with the intent to request that the video footage from the shooting be released.

That protest, which was posted to Facebook by the nonprofit Advocates for Social Justice, was canceled after the family had the opportunity to view the footage.

In a statement released Thursday afternoon, Advocates for Social Justice responded to the release of the bodycam footage.

“Communities of color have long felt mistrust of law enforcement and the criminal justice system. Immediate public outcry for the release of the bodycam footage regarding William Rich’s death is a result of said mistrust,” the statement reads. “Community-centered action items are necessary to rebuilding community relations with law enforcement.”

Rich’s family has declined to comment about his death or the protests.

The shooting is under investigation by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and both officers involved have been placed on paid leave. Once the Iowa DCI investigation is complete, it will be reviewed by the Iowa Attorney General’s Office.

Comments: (319) 398-8328; emily.andersen@thegazette.com