New Year's Day Shootout With C.R. Police Leaves Suspect Dead

2024 got off to a violent start after an officer-involved shooting following a high-speed chase in Cedar Rapids on Monday.

The Cedar Rapids Gazette reports that police responded to reports of a drive-by shooting at around 6:30 a.m. on New Year's Day. Police officials say that a sedan driven by two white males, reportedly drove by a residence at 414 Longwood Drive NE, near Tomahawk Park, and opened fire. The Gazette reports that police did not say if anyone was in the home at the time of the shooting.

Police were able to locate the suspects and gave chase, according to the Gazette. Near 1st. Avenue and 12th Street SE, the driver aimed a rifle from inside the car and fired. The passenger inside the vehicle exited the car and was eventually taken into custody.

The pursuit continued to Mt. Vernon Road where the suspect again fired at officers near 34th Street SE. The car left the roadway near the 5600 block of Mt. Vernon Road, and the Gazette reports that a "high-risk stop" was used to end the chase. Despite police commands, the suspect again opened fire on officers from inside the vehicle. The Gazette reports that five officers then returned fire, killing the suspect.

The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation continues to handle the case. The five officers involved in the shooting have been placed on leave, which is routine for an officer-involved shooting. The names of the officers and the person killed are not being released at this time.