IOWA-Sergeant Jim Smith of Iowa State Patrol, died April 9, 2021. Officer Smith was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a suspect. The suspect had assaulted and disarmed another officer during a traffic stop. The subject fled officers, but then confronted them, antagonizing them to shoot him. He then assaulted an officer and disarmed him, then fled to his home.
Officers arrived at his home, surrounding the premises. The subject opened fire using a shotgun which struck Sergeant Smith. The officer was taken to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The suspect was wounded by returned fire and arrested.
Sergeant Smith served with Iowa State Patrol for 27 years.
Hilary Rodela
Hilary Rodela is currently a Surveillance Officer, a former Private Investigator, a former Crime Scene Investigator, and Evidence Technician. She worked for the Ruidoso (NM) Police Department as well as the Lubbock (TX) Police Department. She has written for several public safety publications and has extensive law enforcement and forensic training and is pursuing forensic expertise in various disciplines. Hilary is a freelance public safety writer and curriculum developer for the National Investigative Training Academy.
