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Suspect, officer named in Algona shooting

ALGONA — An Algona police officer fired a shot at a man who drove toward him in his vehicle on Thanksgiving day, according to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.

The driver was arrested after crashing the vehicle following a short pursuit.

The Division of Criminal Investigation identified him as Juan Cavazos, 30. He is charged with assault on a peace officer using a dangerous weapon, attempted second degree burglary, assault with intent to inflict serious injury, eluding and operating while under the influence, first offense. He remains in the Kossuth County Jail.

The officer has been identified as Grant Smith, who has been serving with the Algona Police Department since 2011.

On Nov. 25, Algona police responded to a disturbance at the Super 8 motel near U.S. Highway 169 and Norwood Drive.

Officers encountered Cavazos there. According to the Division of Criminal Investigation, Cavazos did not comply with officers’ commands and drove his vehicle toward Smith, prompting him to fire one round.

A pursuit ensued. It ended when Cavazos lost control of his vehicle and crashed on a rural Kossuth County road.

Cavazos was not injured in the shooting, but suffered injuries in the crash.

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