STUART — An Iowa man faces first-degree murder and attempted murder charges after authorities say a woman was found dead and an Iowa State Patrol trooper was shot Tuesday afternoon in Stuart.
Law enforcement officers were dispatched at approximately 3:35 p.m. on August 18, 2026, to a report of shots fired in the 200 block of SW 6th Street in Stuart, Iowa.
Officers from the Stuart Police Department, Adair County Sheriff’s Office, Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office and Iowa State Patrol responded to the scene.
When officers arrived, they found an adult woman dead outside the residence. Authorities later identified her as Toni Elena-Ann Salazar, 42.
Her death is being investigated as a homicide.
Iowa State Trooper Chase Carruthers was among the first officers to arrive at the scene. According to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Carruthers soon encountered 46-year-old Austin Nichols Reed, who was allegedly armed with a shotgun.
Authorities allege Reed shot Carruthers during the encounter.
Other officers were able to take Reed into custody without further incident.
Officers immediately provided emergency medical aid to Carruthers before he was transported to a Des Moines-area hospital.
As of Wednesday, August 19, Carruthers remained hospitalized in stable condition and was receiving ongoing medical treatment.
Carruthers has served with the Iowa Department of Public Safety since December 2025.
Reed has been charged with first-degree murder, a Class A felony, in connection with Salazar’s death.
He has also been charged with attempted murder of a police officer, a Class B felony, in connection with the shooting of Carruthers.
The City of Stuart issued a statement Wednesday expressing condolences to Salazar’s family, friends and loved ones while also offering support to Carruthers, his family and fellow troopers.
“The City of Stuart extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the victim who tragically lost her life during yesterday’s incident,” city officials said.
The city also wished Carruthers strength and a full recovery and thanked the law enforcement officers, first responders, medical personnel, dispatchers and others who responded to the violent incident.
“The City is grateful to the law enforcement officers, first responders, medical personnel, dispatchers, and others who responded and assisted during this difficult incident,” the city said.
The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Major Crime Unit is assisting the Stuart Police Department with the investigation.
Additional details surrounding what led to the shootings have not yet been released.
A criminal charge is an accusation. Reed is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.