Hunter
12/05/23
A Cedar Rapids man was sentenced after being found guilty of trying to kill police.
Just before 4 am July 30th, 2022, officers conducted a vehicle stop for erratic driving in the 2200 block of Glass Road NE. 23-year-old Brandon Lee Nelson reportedly brandished a firearm and gunfire was exchanged between the driver and officers Matthew Jenatscheck and Blair Klostermann.
Nelson sustained gunshot injures and was treated at the University of Iowa Hospital. Upon his discharge, he was charged with 2 counts of Attempted Murder, two counts of Intimidation with a Dangerous Weapon, 3 counts of Assault on a Peace Officer with a Dangerous Weapon, two counts of Interference with Official Acts while Armed, Going Armed with Intent, Persons Ineligible to Carry Dangerous Weapons, Eluding, and Driving While Barred.
The two officers were cleared in the shooting by the County Attorney.
During sentencing, the officers testified about the trauma caused by the incident; Jenatcheck said he had nightmares and his wife and family were traumatized; Klostermann said she ended her law enforcement career because of the altercation.
Nelson said in his defense that he was depressed over a breakup with his girlfriend and was planning on “suicide by cop” and never intended to kill or harm anyone.
Sixth Judicial District Justin Lightfoot sentenced him to 62 years in prison, running some of the charges consecutively and some concurrently — similar to what the prosecution recommended.