New Year’s Day Incident in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

News: On New Year’s Day in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, a series of high-speed chases, gunfire, and a fatal confrontation occurred, resulting in the tragic death of Michael Griffin. This article aims to provide a detailed account of the incident, including the unfolding events, the individuals involved, and the ongoing investigations.

Initial Confrontation and Shots Fired

The confrontation began at approximately 6:24 a.m. when shots were fired into a home owned by Michael Griffin. Witnesses reported that Griffin arrived at the residence wielding an AR-15 style rifle and demanding information about an individual known by a street name. After leaving the house, gunfire ensued, causing extensive damage to the property and surrounding areas.

High-Speed Chase and Arrest

Following the reports of a drive-by shooting, Cedar Rapids Police responded and encountered a vehicle matching the description provided by witnesses. The car’s license plate was covered to avoid identification. When officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the vehicle accelerated, sparking a high-speed chase through the streets and neighborhoods of Cedar Rapids.

During the pursuit, Griffin drove at dangerously high speeds, reaching up to 75 mph in an attempt to avoid capture. At one point, a passenger exited the vehicle and was subsequently apprehended by the authorities, leaving Griffin alone in the car, desperately attempting to evade the pursuing officers.

Gunfire from the Vehicle

The chase took an even more perilous turn when Griffin started firing an AR-15 rifle from the window of his car at the police officers. In response to this imminent threat, the officers engaged in a volatile pursuit that ultimately ended with a PIT maneuver on Mount Vernon Road SE. This maneuver resulted in disabling Griffin’s vehicle and rendering him unable to continue fleeing.

Fatal Shootout and Investigations

A fatal shootout ensued between Griffin and the officers following the conclusion of the chase. As the officers approached Griffin’s disabled vehicle, they heard gunshots coming from inside. Perceiving Griffin to still pose a threat, the officers returned fire, considering it a necessary response to protect themselves. Griffin was found dead inside his vehicle after the exchange of gunfire. The specifics regarding the number of rounds fired and the exact location of the shots that struck Griffin remain unknown pending the results of an autopsy conducted by the Iowa State Medical Examiner’s Office.

Multiple investigations have been initiated in response to this tragic incident. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation is conducting a review of the officer-involved shooting, while the Cedar Rapids Police Department is investigating the initial drive-by shooting. In cases like these, the DCI officials will be involved in the review process, and the officers who discharged their weapons have been placed on administrative leave until the investigations reach completion.

These parallel investigations aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the events that unfolded on that fateful morning. They will address important questions related to the lead-up, the consequences of the shooting, the decision-making during the chase and shootout, and the actions taken by the responding officers. The community eagerly anticipates the results of these investigations, as they are expected to bring forth new insights into the tragedy and prompt important discussions about police responses and public safety.

FAQs

Q: What led to the initial confrontation at Michael Griffin’s home?

A: Witnesses reported that Griffin visited the residence brandishing an AR-15 style rifle and demanding information about an individual known by a street name.

Q: How did the high-speed chase unfold and end?

A: The police pursued Griffin through the streets and neighborhoods of Cedar Rapids at speeds reaching up to 75 mph. The chase concluded with a PIT maneuver on Mount Vernon Road SE, disabling Griffin’s vehicle.

Q: What is the status of the investigations into this incident?

A: The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation is reviewing the officer-involved shooting, while the Cedar Rapids Police Department is investigating the initial drive-by shooting. The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave until the investigations are complete.