New Details on December 24th Dubuque Police Shooting of Teen

According to a report from the Telegraph Herald, a 16-year-old Dubuque resident, Lorenzo Cruz, was shot and injured by police on December 24th during an attempt to serve multiple warrants. The incident resulted in two officers being placed on critical incident leave and a review by state investigators.

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Officers from the Dubuque Police Department responded to the 500 block of Nevada Street after receiving a report that Cruz had threatened another individual and might be armed. Before their arrival, police were informed that Cruz had seven active warrants for his arrest and a history of carrying weapons.

When officers located Cruz, he fled toward his residence in the 800 block of Alpine Street. There, Cruz reportedly stopped, faced officers, and drew a knife from his pocket. Officers issued several commands for him to drop the weapon, but Cruz did not comply. When a taser was deployed, it proved ineffective. According to the report, Cruz then charged at Officer Dylan Doerges, leading both Doerges and Officer Stephanie Wehr to fire their weapons.

Cruz was struck twice and received on-site medical aid from the officers before being transported to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. He was treated for arm and shoulder injuries and later released into custody at the Dubuque County Jail. Cruz now faces charges of assault on a peace officer while displaying a dangerous weapon and interference with official acts.

The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation is reviewing the incident. Officers Doerges and Wehr remain on critical incident leave, per department policy, while findings will be forwarded to the Dubuque County Attorney’s Office for further evaluation.