Floyd, IOWA — The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation is now releasing the names of individuals involved in the June 22, 2011 shooting incident in Floyd County, Iowa. The officers have been identified as State Trooper Tyrel Williamson, State Trooper Mark Ades, and Floyd County Deputy Chris Myers. Additionally, the suspect has been identified as 30 year old John M. Pekrun of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.
At approximately 1:15 PM on June 22, 2011, a pursuit involving the Iowa State Patrol, Mitchell County Sheriff’s Deputies and Floyd County Sheriff’s Deputies concluded at the intersection of County Road B33 (155th St.) and Timber Ave., a rural area approximately four miles east of Floyd, Iowa.
Earlier on June 22, 2011, the State of Wisconsin issued a warrant for probation violation for Pekrun. In addition to the warrant, Pekrun was also suspected of stealing a vehicle. At approximately noon of that day, Iowa State Patrol Troopers spotted Pekrun and initiated a pursuit. The pursuit of Pekrun continued until he left Iowa and entered Minnesota. At that time, Minnesota authorities continued to pursue the suspect, until he again re-entered Iowa. Iowa officers pursued Pekrun to County Road B-33 where he lost control of the stolen vehicle he was driving. Pekrun came out of the vehicle armed with a hunting style knife and was confronted by Troopers Tyrel Williamson and Mark Ades, as well as Floyd County Deputy Chris Myers.
Pekrun refused to obey the officers’ repeated commands to drop the knife.
While attempting to take Pekrun into custody, Deputy Myers discharged a Taser, but the Taser was not effective. Pekrun continued to actively resist, refusing to obey the officers’ commands, and refusing to drop the knife. Trooper Williamson eventually discharged his firearm, killing the suspect.
The investigation is ongoing and final results of an autopsy are pending.
Pekrun had no identification on him at the time of the incident. Subsequent to an autopsy, positive identification was made and family notification was conducted by Wisconsin authorities.
As part of the normal process in an officer involved shooting, Trooper Williamson has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.|
