CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Officials have released the name of the five officers who were involved in a shooting incident on New Years Day. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation said the incident started just before 6:30 a.m. Monday when police responded to a report of a drive-by shooting in the 400 block of Longwood Drive NE. Officials say that the driver, Michael Griffin, had an interaction with occupants of a residence in that block where he outwardly displayed an AR-15-style rifle at them. He was reportedly convinced to leave before gunfire began striking the residence. After officers found the suspected vehicle, a chase began. The police pursuit went down 1st Avenue near 12th Street East when officers said Griffin pointed a gun out of the window and fired at officers. The passenger reportedly got out of the vehicle at one point and was taken into custody. The passenger was later identified as a juvenile. The chase continued to Mount Vernon Road SE and 34th Street SE, where the Griffin allegedly fired more shots at officers. His vehicle reportedly went off the road in the 5600 block of Mount Vernon Road SE. Officers said that as they gave Griffin verbal commands, he fired his weapon again from inside the vehicle. That’s when five officers fired their guns at him. They later found Griffin dead at the scene. Officials have not confirmed how Griffin died. None of the officers involved in the incident were hurt. They remain on leave pending the completion of the investigation. They have now been identified as Sergeant Graham Campshure, Officer Loren Culver, Officer Christopher Hettinger, Officer Jonathan McDowell, and Officer Dylan Hall. The investigation is still underway.
DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) – On Monday, the Eighth Circuit court upheld the constitutionality of two of Iowa’s trespass laws. Iowa Code sections 717A.3B and 727.8A effectively make it illegal for a person to trespass on an agricultural property and record images or data. The laws had been subject to debate, after a federal judge struck down the laws in 2022. The Iowa Legislature passed the laws in 2019 and 2021 as a way to stop animal welfare groups from secretly filming livestock abuse that was occurring on the properties. In wake of the court’s decision, Governor Reynolds released the following statement: “I’m extremely pleased that the Eighth Circuit lifted a lower court injunction and paved the way for Iowa’s two trespass laws – Iowa code sections 717A.3B and 727.8A – to be enforced. This is a win for both Iowans and the country. Iowa farmers feed and fuel the world and are an essential part of the global food supply chain. No longer will people be able to gain access or employment to agricultural production facilities with the intent to cause physical injury or economic harm. We will always stand up for the security and safety of our farmers and their land.”
TAMA, Iowa (KCRG) – A 43-year-old has been sentenced to nearly three years in prison after pleading guilty to domestic abuse assault. Evidence at the hearing showed that Bryce Saunders Kapayou had punched and kicked his girlfriend in the face in April 2023. She was taken to a local hospital where she was treated for substantial injuries to her face. Officials say that Kapayou was drunk and in possession of a machete at the time. Before the sentencing, Kapayou had a previous 51 criminal convictions. Kapayou was sentenced to 31 months and 16 days imprisonment. He must also serve three years of supervised release after his sentence.
DES MOINES, Iowa (Gray Television Iowa Capitol Bureau) – Iowa lawmakers gathered under the golden dome in Des Moines for the first day of the legislative session Monday. Lawmakers spoke about the issues they’d like to tackle this year. Republicans have committed tens of millions of dollars to pay for private school education. This year, both Republicans and Democrats say they’re working on policy aimed at public schools. Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver says that education makes up about half of the state’s budget, and Republicans want to make sure the education system is the best it can be. House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst says they’ll be paying attention to the lack of oversight for education savings accounts as well as any changes to the law that banned books in public schools that include sex acts. House Speaker Pat Grassley says Republican lawmakers are planning to look into empowering teachers with disciplinary tools. Grassley says they want to make sure teachers are being compensated fairly as well.
