PRESS RELEASE – June
24, 2015
Muscatine County Attorney Alan R. Ostergren released the
following statement regarding an investigation into the use of deadly force by
a law enforcement officer:
On June 9, 2015, Louisa County Sheriff’s Deputy David Perley
was involved in a pursuit of a motor vehicle being operated by Richard
Spurling. The pursuit ended near the intersection of Fruitland Road and Crimson
Avenue in Muscatine County. Deputy Perley approached Spurling’s motor vehicle.
Spurling drove his vehicle in the direction of Deputy Perley. Deputy Perley
fired his service weapon in the direction of the operator of the vehicle.
Spurling was struck once in the upper torso. He received medical attention and
was transported to the hospital. He has subsequently been released from the
hospital.
The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation has conducted an
investigation of the incident and shared the results of that investigation with
the Muscatine County Attorney. After a review the Muscatine County Attorney has
determined that the use of deadly force by Deputy Perley was lawful. This
decision has been communicated to the Iowa DCI, the Louisa County Sheriff and
to Deputy Perley.
Criminal charges related to the pursuit are currently
pending in Louisa County against Spurling. No further information will be
released at this time.
