WINTHROP – A Northern Iowa man is behind bars after allegedly shooting his father, facing a charge of felony attempted murder.
The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office has made an arrest in a recent shooting investigation. On Friday, May 10, 2024 at approximately 1:25 pm, Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Ashton Wayne Root (pictured at top), age 32 of Winthrop. Ashton Root has been charged with Attempted Murder (class B felony). This charge stems from an investigation into a shooting incident that occurred on Saturday, April 27, 2024.
At approximately 9:05 AM on April 27, the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by Buchanan County Health Center emergency room staff that they had an adult male in their ER with a gunshot wound. The male had been brought in by private vehicle and the incident was reported to have occurred at a residence in the 200 block West 220th Street in Winthrop. Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched and conducted an initial investigation. The wounded male, identified as Michael Wayne Root, age 56 of Winthrop, had sustained a gunshot wound to his abdomen and arm.
Based on information obtained at the hospital, the investigation moved to the residence in Winthrop where Sheriff‘s Deputies, assisted by Agents from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, executed a search warrant and seized numerous items related to the shooting investigation. Deputies also canvassed the area for possible witnesses.
Michael Root was transferred to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City where he was treated and released days later.
It was learned during the initial investigation that Micheal Root and his adult son Ashton had been engaged in an argument that spanned the course of at least two days and which was said to have ultimately led to the shooting.
Ashton Root was arrested in the 200 blk West 220th Street in Winthrop and is being held at the Buchanan County Jail.
This incident continues to be investigated by police.