Lang
3/13/26
The Iowa Attorney General’s Office has found a West Liberty Police officer was justified in shooting a knife-wielding domestic abuse suspect earlier this year.
A Friday news release from the West Liberty Police Department detailed more about the case. It says authorities responded to an address on Elm Street just after 6:45 on the morning of January 11th. The suspect, 37-year-old Jay Bateman, refused to exit the residence. Officers entered the house and encountered Bateman, who was armed with a knife.
Bateman was reportedly told to drop the knife at least 15 times, but refused. He then allegedly lunged at Officer Derek Holmes, and Tasers were deployed. Police say Bateman continued advancing while still holding the knife, and Holmes discharged his firearm once, striking Bateman. Officers immediately rendered emergency medical aid before Bateman was transported to the University of Iowa Health Care in Iowa City for treatment.
After Bateman was released from UIHC, he was transported to the Muscatine County Jail, where he currently remains on a slew of charges. If convicted on all counts, he faces up to 24 years in prison.