Lucas Jones Fired By Cedar Rapids Police Department
Our news partner, CBS 2, reports Cedar Rapids Police officer Lucas Jones has been fired.
Mitch Fick at CBS 2 says Jones had been on administrative leave since May 4, 2020, but the city had begun an administrative investigation in February. According to the C.R.P.D., Jones was removed due to "violating rules and policies of the department." No other details were released because it is a personnel matter.
While working as an officer with the Cedar Rapids Police Department, Jones was part of two shootings.
In October of 2015, two officers, including Jones, were involved in the shooting death of Jonathan Gossman in northwest Cedar Rapids. According to KCRG, an investigation showed that Gossman turned and pointed a gun at officers while he ran from them during a traffic stop. Both officers shot Gossman, but prosecutors determined their actions were justified.
Thirteen months later, in November of 2016, Jones shot Jerime Mitchell during a traffic stop. Mitchell was pulled over due to a burned-out light on his license plate. After smelling marijuana, Jones tried to arrest Mitchell, who struggled with the officer. Dashcam video showed Mitchell attempted to drive away with Jones partially in the driver's door. Jones then shot Mitchell, who was paralyzed by the shooting. A grand jury cleared Jones in the case.
The City of Cedar Rapids, Officer Jones, and the Cedar Rapids Police Department are all being sued by Jerime Mitchell. The trial is scheduled for 2021.
Lucas Jones has 14 days to appeal the termination.