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Iowa DCI identifies suspect, officer from Algona shooting

A press release from the Algona Police Department says an officer fired their weapon during the incident. DCI gave more details on what happened that day.

ALGONA, Iowa — EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above is from the day of the incident, Nov. 25, 2021. 

A man faces multiple charges following an investigation into a disturbance call that resulted in an officer firing his weapon and the suspect crashing his car in rural Kossuth County, according to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI). 

The incident happened around 12:15 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day.  Algona police officers responded to a disturbance call at the Super 8 Motel. The press release from police says an officer fired his weapon "as a result of circumstances upon arrival."

The latest press release from DCI says officers encountered 30-year-old Juan Cavazos when they arrived at the motel. Cavazos "failed to comply with officer's commands and drove his vehicle toward an officer," according to DCI. 

That's when the officer fired one round at Cavazos. DCI identified him as Officer Grant Smith, who has been serving with the Algona Police Department since 2011. 

A high-speed pursuit followed and ended "with the driver losing control of his vehicle," according to the initial release. DCI says Cavazos lost control of his vehicle and crashed in rural Kossuth County. 

Cavazos wasn't injured in the shooting but did get hurt in the car crash. He faces the following charges in the incident: 

  • Assault on a Peace Officer Using a Dangerous Weapon
  • Attempted Burglary in the Second Degree 
  • Assault with Intent to Inflict Serious Injury
  • Eluding – Injury, OWI, Drugs or Participate in Felony
  • Operating While Under the Influence 1st Offense 

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