An Iowa City man who was shot by police when he reached for a loaded weapon will not face charges. Johnson County Attorney Janet Lyness says 21-year-old Chad Newmire won’t face charges because he was suicidal, has cooperated with the investigation and is in need of mental health treatment.
Newmire was shot on December 4 by three Iowa City police officers after a 45 minute long standoff. He was hit with bullets from a duty weapon, a stun gun and bean bags. Newmire survived and told hospital staff the officers were justified in their actions.
Lyness said Newmire was intent on committing suicide or forcing the officers to shoot him. The police officer who fired his gun returned to duty this week after spending two weeks on paid leave.