JEFFERSON, Iowa — A man was shot to death in rural Greene County early Sunday by an officer of the Jefferson Police Department when the man stabbed the officer in the face.
The identity of the deceased person has not been released.
According to a statement released by the Greene County Sheriff’s office, the incident began about 1:25 a.m. Sunday, when an officer with the Jefferson Police Department attempted to stop a vehicle and a pursuit ensued. The Greene County Sheriff’s office responded to assist.
The fleeing driver lost control, and the vehicle entered the ditch near 245th Street and L Avenue about two miles southwest of Jefferson.
The driver “immediately exited the vehicle, armed with a knife,” the sheriff’s statement said. “When the driver advanced on the officer, the officer fired his weapon, striking the driver. The driver continued forward and stabbed the officer in the face.”
Lifesaving measures were attempted at the scene, but the driver was later pronounced dead, the statement said.
The Jefferson Police Department Officer was treated at the Greene County Medical Center and later released. The officer has been placed on critical-incident leave in accordance with the department’s policy, the statement said.
The Jefferson Police Department was assisted by the Greene County Sheriff’s office, Carroll County Sheriff’s office, Calhoun County Sheriff’s office, Jefferson Volunteer Fire Department, Green County EMS, Iowa State Patrol and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI).
The DCI is investigating the shooting, the sheriff’s office said. The results will be forwarded to the Greene County Attorney’s office and the office of the Iowa Attorney General.