A deadly shooting in Stuart, Iowa, has left a woman dead and an Iowa State Patrol trooper injured, with a local man facing murder and attempted murder charges in connection with the incident.
According to the Iowa Division of Investigation, authorities received a report of shots fired at approximately 3:35 p.m. Tuesday in the 200 block of SW 6th Street in Stuart. Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene.
An Iowa State Patrol trooper was among the first officers to arrive. Investigators said the trooper encountered an armed man who opened fire, striking the trooper.
Other officers at the scene immediately provided medical assistance before the injured trooper was transported by ground ambulance to a hospital in Des Moines. Information about the trooper’s current condition was not provided.
Woman Killed in Stuart Shooting
After the trooper was shot, officers located the body of a deceased woman at the scene. Authorities are treating her death as a homicide.
Court documents obtained Wednesday identified the suspect as Austin Nichols Reed, 46, of Stuart.
According to the criminal complaint, Reed allegedly approached the victim from behind and shot her with a shotgun.
The complaint further alleges that Reed attempted to shoot another person who was standing near the victim. However, the shotgun reportedly malfunctioned, preventing the second shooting.
Suspect Taken Into Custody
Reed was taken into custody without further incident following the shooting.
He is facing charges including murder and attempted murder in connection with the deadly incident and the shooting of the state trooper.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting and determine what led to the violence.
The case is being investigated by multiple law enforcement agencies, with officials expected to provide additional information as the investigation progresses.
The shooting has left the Stuart community mourning the loss of a woman while also raising concern over the injury of an Iowa State Patrol trooper who was responding to the reported gunfire.
Further details about the victim, the trooper’s condition, Reed’s court proceedings, and any additional charges may be released by authorities as the case continues.
Reed is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.