DES MOINES, Iowa — The Des Moines Police Department released body camera footage of an officer-involved shooting of a man who pointed a gun at an officer while hiding during a home search, KCCI reported.
The footage shows officers Nicholas Rude and Brian Stern entering a home where a woman at the door initially denied that the suspect was inside. Moments later, the suspect was seen running from one bedroom to another.
As Rude pursued him, the man told the officer to back up before pointing a firearm at him, prompting an exchange of gunfire. Rude retreated to a bedroom, where a woman and her child were also present. The suspect followed, and Rude fired multiple shots, killing him.
Investigators determined that officers Rude and Stern fired a total of 26 rounds — Rude fired 17, while Stern fired nine, according to the report. The suspect fired four shots at police. Authorities stated that both officers had a clear line of sight and took action to protect those in the room.
“You have to make that decision is it safe to fire at this time. And that’s what the decision was because he needed to protect the people in that room, and it was the only way to protect that person at that time,” said Sgt. Paul Parizek.
The Polk County Attorney’s Office and Iowa Attorney General’s Office have cleared both officers of wrongdoing, according to the report.
