Use of Force Justified in Dubuque Officer-Involved Shooting

According to a release from the Dubuque County Attorney’s Office, no criminal charges will be filed in connection with a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred early January 4th, 2026, outside Odd Fellows Bar in downtown Dubuque.

According to the investigation's full report, the shooting happened around 12:51 AM in front of the bar at 481 Locust Street. Dubuque Police Officer Austin Manders was on routine patrol when he observed a physical fight spilling out into the street. As he stopped his patrol vehicle and began to exit, investigators say 28-year-old Jaiondrick Lovely pulled out a handgun and shot 29-year-old Cory Wilson Jr.

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Officer Manders immediately drew his service weapon and fired five rounds at Lovely, who then retreated into Odd Fellows Bar. Manders radioed “shots fired” and requested assistance while trying to get Wilson, who had been shot, to crawl toward him and out of the roadway.

Additional officers arrived within minutes, and a ballistic shield was used to move Wilson to cover. That's where officers provided medical aid until EMTs arrived. At the same time, officers cleared patrons from the bar and entered through the rear, where they found Lovely on the floor suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers provided medical assistance before carrying him out to waiting EMTs.

Wilson was transported to MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center, while Lovely was taken to UnityPoint Health–Finley Hospital. Both men were later pronounced dead at the hospitals.

The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation led the investigation, reviewing body-worn camera footage, traffic and street cameras, bar surveillance video, photographs, interviews, reports, and autopsy findings. According to the release, video from multiple angles shows the entire incident unfolding in seconds. From the time Officer Manders applied his brakes to when he radioed “shots fired,” only about ten seconds passed. From Lovely’s first gunshot to Manders’ final shot, roughly four seconds elapsed.

Autopsies confirmed both deaths were caused by gunshot wounds. Evidence collected included Lovely’s .45-caliber handgun and Officer Manders’ 9mm service weapon. Ballistics testing indicated the bullet that struck Lovely was fired from Manders’ firearm.

Credit: Dubuque County Attorney

Finally, in his legal analysis, Dubuque County Attorney Scott J. Nelson concluded Officer Manders’ actions were reasonable and justified under Iowa law. The release states Manders faced an immediate and deadly threat to Wilson, bystanders, and himself, and acted quickly in a tense, rapidly evolving situation. The Dubuque County Attorney’s Office says the investigation is now considered closed.