Man Charged With Killing Iowa State Patrol Officer Enters Not Guilty Plea

The man accused of killing an Iowa State Trooper during a standoff in April has entered not guilty pleas on multiple charges. 41 year old Grundy Center resident, Michael lang is charged with 1st degree murder, assault on a police officer and attempted murder.

Police say that on April 9th, Lang evaded arrest and barricaded himself in his Grundy Center home. It was during that incident that Sgt. Jim Smith was shot and killed.

Smith was a 27 year veteran of the Iowa State Patrol and was part of a tactical team that was attempting to arrest Lang.

Officers eventually used an armored vehicle to ram their way into the house and exchanged gunfire with Lang again. He was shot and wounded but survived his injuries.

The Iowa Attorney General’s Office ruled that the officer were justified in the shooting.

(Photo Of Sgt. Jim Smith is courtesy of the Iowa State Patrol)