Watch: Video released of officer-involved shooting in Council Bluffs
Investigators reveal video evidence to show officer acted in self-defense
Investigators reveal video evidence to show officer acted in self-defense
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Investigators reveal video evidence to show officer acted in self-defense
Pottawattamie County officials announced in a press conference Friday that Officer Trevor Benson will not face any charges regarding the incident.
Matt Wilber, Pottawattamie County Attorney, Darrell Simmons, Iowa DCI Special Agent in Charge and Tim Carmody, Council Bluffs Police Chief, held a joint press conference
on at the County Veteran Affairs Building.
Wilber said Officer Benson arrived on scene and had a conversation with 21 year-old Daton Petrey asking him to get out of the car and shut the car off. He said as Officer Benson tried to open the door Petrey put the key back in the ignition, started the car, and slammed the car into reverse. At that point, he said, Officer Benson was caught in the door and was being dragged. Officer Benson, according to Wilber, got free of the door and fired one shot into the car, hitting Petrey in the left shoulder. At the same time, a passenger can be seen on video falling from the car. Wilber said this man was run over by the vehicle, but refused medical attention.
Petrey continues to back up and Wilber said Officer Benson saw him put his hands up and his foot on the brake, and he believed the incident was over.
At that point, Wilber said, Petrey stepped on the gas and drove forward off the lot. Officer Benson then fired another shot into the car, not hitting Petrey, Wilber said.
From there, Petrey drove down an alley and into a guy-wire crashing his car. He took off on foot and was arrested shortly after. He faces assault with a deadly weapon on an officer, assault with a deadly weapon for his passenger, and eluding arrest.
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Council Bluffs police released new details in an officer-involved shooting after a help an officer call.
Benson was responding to a report early Thursday of a suspicious vehicle in a parking lot near East Broadway and Frank streets around 3 a.m., according to a report.
Benson approached the door of the vehicle and spoke with Daton Petrey, 21, of Omaha, who refused to identify himself.
Benson told Petrey to get out of his car and he refused. Police said that's when Benson then opened Petrey’s door and tried to remove him from the vehicle.
Police said Petrey shifted into reverse and accelerated backwards at a high speed, trapping Benson between the open driver’s door and the car’s body for about 40 feet.
Benson was able to remain on his feet and fired two shots at Petrey, one round striking him in the lower torso, police said.
After being shot, Petrey continued to flee and sped off the property into an alley. He tried to turn from the alley onto Frank Street, struck a power pole and flipped his vehicle onto it's roof, officials said.
Petrey fled on foot and was arrested about a block away, hiding under a parked car.
Other than the 3,300 pound vehicle, no weapons were used or located on Petrey, police said.
Benson was not injured during the incident.
Police said there was a a 59-year-old man in the front passenger seat of Petrey's car when the incident began. He attempted to get out when the struggle ensued and a news release said he was dragged under the passenger door and his leg was run over.
Police said he refused medical treatment.
At the time of this arrest, Petrey had a valid felony warrant for parole violation. His warrant indicates to use caution, as he is considered an escape risk, known to carry weapons and resist arrest.
Petrey is currently in a hospital and is in stable condition. Police said he will be booked once he is discharged.
As part of department practice, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation is conducting a parallel investigation into this incident, reviewing the actions of police personnel.
The Council Bluffs Police Department will consult with Pottawattamie County Attorney Matt Wilber to identify criminal charges for Petrey.
As this remains an open investigation, no video footage will be released.
This is a developing story. Stay with KETV NewsWatch 7 for the latest.