Video: Suspect Pulls Out Machete, Charges at Iowa Police Officer
What to know
- A Marion police officer who fatally shot a machete-wielding 18-year-old suspect during a Feb. 4 call was cleared after investigators ruled the force legally justified, according to the Iowa Attorney General’s Office.
- Police say Bernard pulled a roughly 2‑foot machete, ignored repeated commands, withstood a Taser and then charged as an officer backed away, and another opened fire.
- The weapon was recovered at the scene, and both officers remain on paid leave as internal review continues.
Source Officer.com News
An Iowa police officer who fatally shot an 18‑year‑old suspect during a call last month was cleared after investigators concluded the shooting was legally justified.
Marion police officers were dispatched the morning of Feb. 4 to a residential block after a caller asked to speak with an officer but reported no immediate emergency, the report from the Iowa Attorney General's Office stated. Officer Spenser Hartman arrived and encountered Saber Jonathan Bernard and a neighbor who said they had been discussing God, evil and salvation.
Officer Alex Greene arrived moments later, and Hartman warned him that Bernard kept his left hand in a pocket. After several minutes of conversation, Bernard pulled a machete‑style weapon from under his clothing and gestured toward both police officers.
Police issued repeated commands for Bernard to drop the weapon. Greene deployed a Taser, but it had no little effect, and Bernard kept advancing.
As Hartman backed away, Bernard closed the distance while shouting, “God is my savior! You will not stop me! Kill me!”
Hartman fired a single round, striking Bernard in the abdomen, and officers immediately began lifesaving measures. Bernard was taken to the hospital, where he died.
Police recovered a roughly 24‑inch machete with a smooth outer edge and serrated interior edge at the scene.
According to the attorney general, the force used by Hartman was justified after verbal commands and a Taser failed and Bernard charged with a deadly weapon. Officials noted Bernard had previously seen a mental‑health counselor and was on probation for car burglaries but was not taking medication at the time.
Both Hartman is a 10‑year veteran of the department, and he has completed a 40‑hour crisis intervention training, and Greene has served with force for two years. They both remain on paid administrative leave pending internal review.