Dubuque County Sheriff Deputy Shot in Highway 151 Traffic Stop

A harrowing situation occurred in the early morning hours of July 1st, 2025 when a Dubuque County Sheriff Deputy was shot during a traffic stop on Highway 151, north of the Highway 136 interchange.

The traffic stop was related to a "multi-jurisdictional investigation," per a press release from the Dubuque County Sheriff's Office. Members of the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office, Dubuque Police Department, Iowa State Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Monticello Police Department, and Jones County Sheriff’s Office conducted a high-risk traffic stop that turned deadly for the suspect and wounded a Sheriff Deputy.

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Per the aforementioned press release, during the traffic stop, the suspect, an adult male and sole occupant of the vehicle, produced a handgun and fired shots, which resulted in both a Dubuque County Sheriff Office Deputy and the suspect being struck by gunfire.

The deputy was transported to MercyOne Emergency Department in Dubuque before being moved to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. As of yesterday afternoon, the unidentified deputy was reportedly in "serious but stable condition," while the suspect was pronounced deceased shortly after being transported from the scene.

The incident is in the process of being investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. The Dubuque County Sheriff's Office states that all follow-up calls should be referred to DCI Assistant Director Don Schnitker at (515) 238-0465. There is no danger to the public.

The deputies and offices involved in yesterday's traffic stop have been placed on Critical Incident Leave in accordance with the polices of each agency involved. For further updates and information, visit the Dubuque County Sheriff's Office website.