EARLY, IOWA – A Northern Iowa man flashed a handgun at a deputy trying to save his life from a burning garage and perished in the flames, according to authorities.
At 0725 Firs, on September 7, 2023, a Sac County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to 110 Cross Street, Early, Iowa, on a report of smoke coming from the house on this property. The house on this property was condemned and scheduled for demolition. Upon arriving, flames were seen in the house and were quickly spreading. It was known that the property owner resided in the garage, which was just a few feet from the house. The deputy attempted to make contact with the property owner, 66-year-old Terry Busse without success. Believing Busse to be in the garage, the deputy forced open the garage door and was met by Busse. The deputy advised Busse that there was an extreme danger of the fire spreading to the garage and he needed to get out. Busse refused to leave and pushed away from the deputy. At this time Busse displayed a handgun without pointing it directly at the deputy. The deputy exited the garage without any gunfire being exchanged and called for assistance. A short time later, the fire spread to the garage which quickly became engulfed by the fire. Busse failed to leave the garage.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office was contacted and responded to the scene to conduct the investigation.
This incident is still under investigation, pending autopsy results from the State medical Examiner’s Office.
The fire was extinguished by the Early fire department with the assistance of the Sac City Fire Department. Also responding to this incident were the additional Sac County Sheriff’s Office personnel, Lake View Police Department, Iowa State Patrol, Sac County Ambulance, and the State Fire Marshal’s Office