Iowa AG finds Highway 20 officer-involved shooting was justified

WATERLOO — The Iowa Attorney General’s Office has found the November officer-involved shooting of a wanted Waterloo man was justified.

In a report released Thursday, Brenna Bird's office confirmed 47-year-old Benjamin Harold Sink fired a pink 9 mm handgun at Grundy County Sheriff's deputies and state troopers following a brief chase on U.S. Highway 20 just inside the Black Hawk County line.

“Sink immediately got out of his vehicle, drew a weapon, and fired on officers. Grundy County Sheriff Deputies Israel Ruiz and Carson Lutterman, as well as Iowa State Patrol Trooper Trevor Ambrose, returned fired on Sink, who died from his injuries,” the office’s news release about the report states.

Earlier that day, Waterloo police were called to check on Sink — who was wanted on stalking charges — due to comments he had made indicating he was homicidal and suicidal and had expressed that he wanted law enforcement to end his life.

The caller indicated Sink may also have a handgun.

Ruiz found Sink driving east toward Waterloo on Highway 20 in Grundy County around 9:15 p.m. The deputy followed Sink and called for backup as he prepared for a traffic stop.

Authorities decided to attempt the traffic stop on a remote stretch of Highway 20 away from populated areas to minimize the risk to the public.

When Ruiz initiated the stop just past the Dike exit, Sink pulled over to the shoulder. Officers had their weapons drawn and told Sink to put his hands out of the window.

"Deputies then got on to the public address speaker and indicated they were there to help Sink, but to do so, he needed to first roll down his window and show his hands. They advised that they did not want the situation to escalate and wanted to resolve the situation safely," the report states.

Sink didn't comply with commands. He yelled and gestured wildly and drove off from the stop, reaching speeds of 90 mph.

During the chase, Sink phoned a family member, saying goodbye and declaring he was going to die by "suicide by cop," the report states.

Further east, Black Hawk County authorities set up stop sticks. Sink's vehicle rolled over the anti-tire device and came to a stop, and he immediately exited his car.

Trooper Ambrose saw Sink's weapon and moved to take position on the passenger side of his vehicle, closest to the ditch, according to the report.

As Ambrose was moving, Sink racked the slide of the handgun and pointed it at Ruiz. Ruiz saw the flash of the muzzle on Sink’s handgun and returned fire.

As Ambrose got to the passenger side of his vehicle, he heard the gunshots between Sink and Ruiz and fired on Sink.

Deputy Lutterman, who had pulled in behind Ruiz and Ambrose, also fired his rifle as he saw Sink emerge with the handgun raised.

Sink fell to the ground with the gun still in his right hand and all officers ceased fire.

"As Sink lay on the ground, he continued to move slightly with his left hand moving toward the gun. Deputy Ruiz directed Sink to throw the gun, but Sink did not comply. Deputy Ruiz repeated this command, letting Sink know they wanted to help him and get him medical treatment, but he had to get rid of the gun," the report states.

When movement stopped, the officers secured the pistol and began lifesaving measures. Sink was transported by ambulance to the hospital where he died from his injuries.

The fully loaded weapon recovered from Sink was a pink 9 mm handgun. There was an additional box of 25 rounds in his vehicle. None of the officers were hit by gunfire.

A toxicology test found methamphetamine in Sink's system, the report states.

A review of Sink's previous law enforcement contacts showed police twice seized firearms from him in the months leading up to the shooting.

At the time of the shooting, Sink was the subject of restraining orders preventing him from contacting a woman, and he was awaiting trial for invasion of privacy and other offenses.

"Due to the no contact orders and mental health issues, Sink was prohibited from having firearms, and his family indicated that they took possession of his known firearms," the report states.

In May 2025, police seized a handgun after Sink was suicidal and taken for mental health treatment.

In July 2025 officers attempted to arrest Sink at his home for violating the restraining order. Sink refused to come out and indicated he had a shotgun and was “not afraid to use it,” the report states.

Sink eventually left the house, and officers seized the shotgun and found methamphetamine, marijuana and prescription medications.

Police never returned the guns to him.