(Des Moines, IA) -- A report finds two Franklin County Iowa sheriff's deputies were justified in their use of deadly force, when they shot a man resulting in his death. The Iowa Attorney General's Office says deputies shot Matthew T.J. Davis after he aimed his gun at them. Deputies were called to a home June 20th, 2023 after dispatch received two calls that Davis was drunk, suicidal, and armed with a gun. The sheriff's office says the former partner of Davis, said Davis was at her home and her minor son was inside the home alone. The 911 caller also reported Davis said he wanted to be shot by police.
Investigators say the deputies found Davis in the driveway with a gun, and asked him 17-times to drop the weapon, but refused and aimed the gun a them, prompting the deputies to fire. Davis died on the way to the hospital.
The Iowa Attorney General’s Office says the deputies, who shot Davis after he drunkenly aimed his gun at them, were “legally justified” and that “no criminal charges are warranted.”
The Attorney General’s conclusion was based on a review and investigation by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.