WATERLOO – Authorities released more details on a fatal shooting Monday in Waterloo, detailing the actions that led up to the final confrontation.
March 25, 2024, the Waterloo Police Department requested the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation to investigate an officer-involved shooting that occurred at 1204 Hartman Avenue in Waterloo.
At 2:46 p.m., employees at Victory Motors, located at 2701 Falls Avenue, called 911 to report that a neighbor, later identified as John Piazza, age 41, of 1204 Hartman Avenue in Waterloo, put a gun to an employee’s face and fired a round at the property. Employees stated Piazza told them he would return with a rifle. Employees reported he was wearing jeans and a T-shirt, had a long beard, and was bald.
Waterloo PD responded to 1204 Hartman Avenue, just behind Victory Motors, and observed a male fitting the description near the windows of the residence with a long gun. A Waterloo police officer observed Piazza point a long gun out of a window towards officers. The officer fired at Piazza, striking him. Officers entered the residence and found Piazza deceased.
This incident remains under investigation. Upon completion, the Iowa DCI will forward the results of the investigation to the Blackhawk County Attorney’s Office for review.