Police in Dubuque continue to search for a second suspect involved in a robbery and shooting of a police office Thursday. The incident was reported just before 1 p.m. at Knicker’s Saloon. A customer called 9-1-1 to report two men in ski masks, carry shotguns, were robbing the bar. Dubuque Assistant Police Chief Terry Tobin says Lieutenant Scott Baxter was the first officer on the scene.
“The officer parked his vehicle…and then approached the bar on foot. He observed the two suspects exiting the front door, both armed with long guns,” Tobin said. One of the suspects ran from the scene, while the other suspect exchanged gunfire with Baxter. Samantha Billmeyer lives near the bar.
“It sounded like big firecrackers…loud. I looked out the window because I thought there was a car accident or something and I saw sheriff’s vehicles pulling up,” Billmeyer said. Baxter and one of the suspects were wounded. Lt. Baxter is listed good condition this morning (Friday).
“My understanding is he did receive some wounds to the leg, the torso, and also his hand and arm,” Tobin said. The unnamed suspect who was shot underwent surgery and remains hospitalized. A condition report was not available. Police are looking for the second suspect. He’s described as a 20-to-30 year old black male who was wearing dark jeans with stitching or a pattern on the pockets and white or light tennis shoes.
No employees or customers in Knickers were injured during the robbery. Police recovered some of the cash taken in the robbery from a car parked near the bar. Anyone with information related to the case is asked to contact the Dubuque Police Department at 563-589-4415.
Contributed by Claire Kellett, KCRG-TV, Cedar Rapids