Troopers initially investigated a report of shots fired at about 2:20 p.m. Thursday along Interstate Highway 80 east of a rest stop in Cedar County.
An Illinois man is charged with attempted murder after authorities say he opened fire on an Iowa State Patrol sergeant.
Charles Johnston, 60, of Belvidere, Illinois, was taken into custody Thursday at a truck stop after exchanging gunfire with the trooper, according to news releases and a criminal complaint filed against Johnston.
Troopers investigated a report of shots fired at about 2:20 p.m. Thursday along Interstate Highway 80 east of a rest stop in Cedar County. Authorities said Thursday that the shooter drove west in a black Volkswagen Jetta and got off at exit 265, south of Rochester and north of Atalissa. At the Pilot Travel Center there, he continued to shoot at motorists, authorities said.
Just before 2:50 p.m., State Patrol Sgt. David Saldivar found the Jetta and approached it, according to the criminal complaint. Johnston pointed a handgun at Saldivar, then fired it toward the trooper, prosecutors say. Saldivar returned fire.
Johnston was taken into custody after a brief standoff. There were no reports of injuries associated with the gunfire.
Johnston is also charged with assault on a peace officer with a dangerous weapon. Both charges are felonies. He is being held at the Cedar County Jail.
A Division of Criminal Investigation agent said it was too early for him to confirm details about the incident or the investigation, which is still in progress. It hasn’t been said publicly whether other troopers used their weapons, how many times guns were discharged or whether any property was damaged.
