A Grundy Center man has pleaded not guilty to a number of charges, including first-degree murder, related to the fatal shooting of Iowa State Patrol trooper Jim Smith.
Michael Lang, 41, was charged with first-degree murder, assault on a peace officer and attempted murder after allegedly shooting and killing Smith during a standoff at his home. Lang was scheduled to appear in court Monday but his attorney, Aaron Hawbaker, filed a written arraignment Sunday in Grundy County.
Smith, a 27-year veteran of the Iowa State Patrol, was part of a team who attempted to arrest Lang inside his home April 9. The team was clearing the upstairs of the house when Smith was hit by a shot from Lang, according to a criminal complaint.
Michael Lang, suspect charged with killing Iowa State trooper Jim Smith, pleads not guilty Philip Joens, Des Moines Register
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A Grundy Center man has pleaded not guilty to a number of charges, including first-degree murder, related to the fatal shooting of Iowa State Patrol trooper Jim Smith.
Michael Lang, 41, was charged with first-degree murder, assault on a peace officer and attempted murder after allegedly shooting and killing Smith during a standoff at his home. Lang was scheduled to appear in court Monday but his attorney, Aaron Hawbaker, filed a written arraignment Sunday in Grundy County.
Por Chris Turner
Apr 26, 2021
The Iowa Attorney General s office says that the use of deadly force by officers was justified in the Grundy Center standoff that led to the death of Iowa State Patrol Sergeant Jim Smith.
The review concluded that actions taken by four officers during the standoff were justified and reasonable .
Hardin County Sheriff’s Deputy Mitch Kappel, Iowa State Trooper Josh Guhl, Iowa State Trooper Matt Costello, and Iowa State Trooper Spencer Baltes exchanged gunfire with the suspect, Michael Thomas Lang, during the April 9th standoff.
All officers were placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Updated: 5:17 PM CDT Apr 26, 2021 The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation identified four additional officers involved in the Grundy Center standoff that resulted in Iowa State Patrol Sgt. Jim Smith’s death.According to a news released, Hardin County Sheriff’s Deputy Mitch Kappel and Iowa State Patrol troopers Josh Guhl, Matt Costello and Spencer Baltes discharged weapons during the April 9 standoff.Michael Thomas Lang, who is charged with first-degree murder, attempt to commit murder and assault on a peace officer in the standoff, suffered three gunshot wounds from return fire from the officers.A review by the Iowa Attorney General’s Office found that the officers’ use of deadly force in the standoff was “justified and reasonable.”
By Chris Turner
Apr 26, 2021
The Iowa Attorney General s office says that the use of deadly force by officers was justified in the Grundy Center standoff that led to the death of Iowa State Patrol Sergeant Jim Smith.
The review concluded that actions taken by four officers during the standoff were justified and reasonable .
Hardin County Sheriff’s Deputy Mitch Kappel, Iowa State Trooper Josh Guhl, Iowa State Trooper Matt Costello, and Iowa State Trooper Spencer Baltes exchanged gunfire with the suspect, Michael Thomas Lang, during the April 9th standoff.
All officers were placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.