Video Shows Man with Knife Charging Iowa Police Officers after Crisis Center Stabbing
What to know
- Des Moines police released body camera video from a Feb. 19 officer‑involved shooting after the Iowa Attorney General ruled the use of deadly force was justified.
- Authorities said the suspect had stabbed a public safety officer at a mental health facility before confronting responding police officers while armed with a knife.
- The two police officers involved have been cleared to return to duty as a department review process continues.
An Iowa police officer fatally shot a 24-year-old man last month after investigators say the suspect stabbed a public safety officer and charged at responding officers with a knife.
The Des Moines Police Department released a summary video that included security and body camera images from the Feb. 19 incident Friday. Earlier this week, the Iowa Attorney General’s Office determined two police officers were justified in using deadly force against the suspect, identified as Hunter Munoz.
According to the Attorney General’s investigation, Munoz had been taken to the Crisis Observation Center for a mental health evaluation after stopping prescribed medication. While inside the facility, Munoz stabbed a public safety officer, seriously injuring him, investigators said.
Authorities said police officers attempted to de‑escalate the situation after Munoz left the center and went outside. Body camera video shows Munoz telling police officers they'd have to shoot him before charging toward them with his knife raised.
The summary video released by the police also includes 9-1-1 calls and still images from security and body camera footage from the incident.
In a news release, the Des Moines Police Department said a Use of Force Review Committee is being convened as part of the department’s required administrative review process.
The two police officers involved in the shooting have been cleared to return to regular duty, the department said.