NEVADA, IOWA – An Iowa man allegedly acting erratically and wielding a sword was confronted by and tasered by police, who tasered him, and the man died.
The incident took place on the early morning (around 2:44 AM) of June 22, 2020, when a Nevada, Iowa man was reported swinging a sword and knocking on doors in the 1600 block of 10th Street. A short time later, a man matching the description provided was located in the grassy area east of the Homemakers Trailer Court. The man was sitting in the grass flailing a sword. By this time Story County Sheriff Deputies arrived to assist. Police claim the man was told numerous time to drop the sword. He responded by stating “…it stays in my hand…” and other incoherent words. After being ordered numerous times to drop the sword a Taser was deployed. Police retrieved the sword, secured the individual, and requested an ambulance. An ambulance is normally requested to remove the barbs of the Taser from a person. While handcuffed the man was in a sitting position awaiting the ambulance.
Upon arrival paramedics provided the man medical services. It was about this time the man stopped breathing. He was then transported to Story County Medical Center where he died.
The man has been identified as 51-year-old Jason James Kruzic of Nevada, Iowa.
The State Medical Examiner’s Office will perform the autopsy.
The Nevada Public Safety Department is continuing its investigation concerning this incident.