Update: CF Officer Assault and Shooting

The Cedar Falls Police Department released an updated statement this morning about a shooting that took place early Christmas morning.  An officer and an individual were transported to a nearby hospital.

FROM CFPD: Chief Jeff Olson

On December 25, 2013 at 2:57AM an officer from the Cedar Falls Police Department observed a vehicle with its engine running parked in the roadway at 2nd Street and Hudson Road. The vehicle was not moving and it appeared that the driver was unresponsive behind the wheel.

The officer approached the vehicle to check on the driver. While checking on the driver, the officer noticed indications of possible drug and alcohol use. The driver was asked to come back to the officer’s vehicle so he could conduct further investigation. While the driver was being placed into the officer’s vehicle, the driver, identified as 27 year old Zach Church, began to assault the officer.

Church is 6-2, 270 pounds. As the assault continued, Church ended up on top of the officer. The officer was struck numerous times in the face and head. The officer subsequently shot Church. Church was transported to Sartori Hospital where he remains in stable condition. The Officer was transported to Sartori Hospital where he was treated for facial and head injuries and later released. Charges of Felony Assault on a Police Officer and drug charges will be filed in the near future.

The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation was called to investigate, as is standard police procedure for officer involved shootings. The investigation is ongoing and further information will be provided at a later time.

PREVIOUS STATEMENT:

FROM CFPD: Chief Jeff Olson

A Cedar Falls police officer was conducting an investigation after observing an individual inside a vehicle located at 2^nd and Hudson Road on December 25^th at 2:57AM.  During that investigation, an altercation occurred.  The officer was injured and the suspect was shot.  The officer and suspect were both transported to a local hospital where they are being treated.  The investigation has been turned over to the DCI which is standard police procedure when an officer involved shooting occurs.

No immediate statements have been released on the condition of the individuals at this time.