Traffic stop ends with police officer stabbed in the face

A late-night traffic stop in Greene County turned violent early Sunday, leaving one officer injured and a suspect dead after an officer-involved shooting, according to the Iowa DCI.

In a press release, the DCI says at 1:25 a.m. Sunday morning a Jefferson police officer attempted to stop a vehicle. They say the driver refused to pull over, leading to a chase. Deputies from the Greene County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist.

The chase ended near 245th Street and L Avenue when the vehicle lost control and went into a ditch. Investigators said the driver got out of the vehicle armed with a knife and moved toward the officer. The officer fired their gun, hitting the driver, but authorities said the driver continued forward and stabbed the officer in the face.

Law enforcement officers attempted lifesaving measures at the scene, but the driver was later pronounced dead.

The injured officer was taken to a local hospital, where they were treated and released. In keeping with department policy, the officer has been placed on critical incident leave.

The identities of the suspect and the officer have not been released.

The Iowa DCI is leading the investigation at the request of the Greene County Sheriff’s Office.