Fatal shooting determined to be in self defense

No charges will be filed in death of FD man

The July 24 shooting that claimed the life of a Fort Dodge man was determined to be an act of self defense and no criminal charges will be filed, according to the Police Department.

Police identified the deceased as Thomas H. Ahrens, 45, of Fort Dodge.

He was shot July 24 in the 1300 block of Third Avenue North. The shooting was reported at 1:52 p.m.

Police also identified the shooter as Josiah Byram, 31, of Fort Dodge.

In a statement issued Wednesday, the Police Department reported that its investigation showed that Byram was "actively retreating from an attack made by Mr. Ahrens." They ended up in Byram's house, where Byram fired a single shot, striking and killing Ahrens, officers said.

Police said Byram called 911 and reported the incident.

On July 24, police quickly announced that the shooting was an isolated incident between two people who knew each other and that there was no danger to the public.

Ahrens was treated at the scene by police, paramedics and firefighters. He was taken by ambulance to UnityPoint Health -- Trinity Regional Medical Center, where he later died.

Byram was still at the scene when police arrived.

All available evidence was submitted to the Webster County Attorney's Office, police reported.

"After a review, it was determined by the county attorney that Mr. Byram was acting in self-defense and as a result no charges will be filed in this case," the Police Department reported.