Grundy Center Man Accused Of Killing State Trooper Now In Jail

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The Grundy Center man accused of a fatally shooting an Iowa State Patrol trooper during a standoff is now in police custody.

Iowa Department of Public Safety officials said 41-year-old Michael Lang was released from University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Wednesday after being treated for multiple gunshot wounds. Lang made his initial appearance in Grundy County District Court, where he was formally charged with killing Sgt. Jim Smith.

Lang is charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of Smith, attempt to commit murder for allegedly trying to kill state troopers in an armored personnel carrier, and assault on a peace officer for assaulting a Grundy Center police officer.

The charges are connected to an April 9 standoff, which began when a Grundy Center police officer tried to stop Lang for a traffic violation. Officials said Lang barricaded himself inside his home at 305 G Ave. (Iowa Highway 175) in Grundy Center.

Lang allegedly shot Smith during the five-hour standoff, which ended when authorities rammed the house with a wheeled armored personnel carrier. Officials said Lang was shot multiple times during the confrontation with authorities.

Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation officials released details on the traffic stop and standoff during an April 10 news conference held at Grundy Center High School. The details were also fully described in a complaint and affidavit that was filed in Grundy County District Court on Wednesday.

Following his court appearance, Lang was transported to the Black Hawk County Jail in Waterloo. His bond has been set at $3 million.