Photo: Des Moines Police
(Des Moines, IA) -- The Iowa Attorney General has ruled that a February officer‑involved shooting that killed 24‑year‑old Hunter Munoz was legally justified.
According to investigators, Munoz’s family had taken him to a behavioral health center on Carpenter Avenue for a mental health evaluation when police say he stabbed a security officer at the facility. A 911 call was made shortly afterward.
“We need the police. Somebody has stabbed a security officer. We need the police,” a caller from the clinic said in audio released by Des Moines Police.
Munoz then went outside, where he was confronted by responding officers. Body‑worn camera footage from Sergeant Christian Escobar shows the officer repeatedly ordering Munoz to get on his knees.
“It’s all right, man. You’re good. My name’s Christian. You’re not in any trouble, just get down on your knees,” Escobar can be heard saying. The footage shows Escobar issuing at least 24 commands, noting that Munoz was not complying.
Police say Munoz then ran toward officers while holding a knife, at which point officers opened fire.
Des Moines Police have released a nine‑minute video that includes the 911 call, body‑camera footage, and graphic images from the incident.