Hunter
9/6/19
Johnson County Attorney Janet Lyness says that she has the Department of Criminal Investigation’s report about a shooting involving an Iowa City police officer.
The Cedar Rapids Gazette reports that Lyness will review the report and determine whether officer Michael Clark was justified in his use of force in the July 29th incident.
Officers responded about 3:30 that afternoon after 25-year-old Cierra Lewis was suspected of shoplifting from the Starbucks location on Highway 1 West and Riverside Drive. Lewis allegedly refused Clark’s commands and the incident escalated near a bus stop on South Riverside. Lewis pulled a BB gun and shot Clark several times, hitting him in the face. Clark then drew his weapon and shot Lewis.
Police say Lewis’ gun was a replica style CO2 BB-pistol. Both parties were hospitalized.
Clark is on paid administrative leave until the investigation concludes, per department policy. Lewis remains in custody facing charges of willful injury causing serious injury and assault with a weapon on a peace officer. Her trial is scheduled for December 17th.
County Attorney Lyness tells the Gazette that she hopes to release her findings next week.