An investigation has determined that a 20-year law enforcement veteran’s actions were justified in an officer involved shooting death near Wellman on September 13th. The Iowa Department of Public Safety’s Division of Criminal Investigation completed their investigation and announced Washington County Deputy Kirk Bailey’s actions were justified and not a criminal act in the death of Martin Hammen, as ruled by the Iowa Attorney General’s office.
Earlier this month, authorities responded to a house fire near Wellman. Deputies reported Hammen waived a handgun in a threatening manner in the direction of deputies and did not comply with orders to drop the gun. Bailey then shot Hammen with his service rifle.
For more information about the incident click here.