Johnson County prosecutor believes Iowa City police shooting was justified

IOWA CITY, Iowa — The Johnson County prosecutor says the shooting of an Iowa City police officer in July was justified.

On Friday, Johnson County District Attorney Rachel Zimmerman Smith released a report on a July 15, 2024, shooting in which a man was shot in the left leg and abdomen by a police officer.

According to the Johnson County District Attorney's Office, Doug Wittkop was in a physical altercation with his wife, Ruth, when police arrived in the 1100 block of Wylde Green Road.

Ruth shouted to the officers that Wittkop had a gun.

Police said they saw Wittkop's finger on the trigger of a 9mm semi-automatic pistol.

Wittkop then continued to threaten suicide.

When police attempted to engage Wittkop in conversation without receiving a response, Officer Darin Zacharias fired a 40mm plastic and foam projectile to disarm Wittkop.

Wittkop remained calm and did not drop his weapon. Zacharias fired another projectile, but it had no effect on Wittkop.

Officers said they ordered Wittkop to drop his weapon at least 13 times.

Officer Alirio Arcenas then ordered Wittkop to lie down. Police say Wittkop then raised his gun to waist level.

Arcenas then fired two shots, hitting Wittkop in the leg and stomach. Wittkop fell to the ground.

He was taken to a local hospital.

You can read the full report below.