Ottumwa PD Outlines Officer Involved Shooting

On June 25, 2016 at 8:55 am the Ottumwa Police Department received reports of a residence on fire located at 416 Waverly Avenue in Ottumwa. The Police Department was also notified that a male subject was outside the residence shooting a rifle at the same residence.

Officers arrived at the scene at 8:59 am. Members of the Ottumwa Fire Department were advised not to approach the residence until the scene was determined to be safe for fire personnel to approach. At that time the house was partially engulfed in flames. It was later determined that a natural gas line was feeding the fire at that time. The gas utility company later responded and was able to shut off the gas supply.

At or about 9:05 am, two subjects exited the rear of the residence and met with police officers a short distance from the residence. Officers learned that there were three other subjects still located inside the residence.

At or about 9:07 am, Michael Allen Heady Sr. age 60, of 416 Waverly Avenue, Ottumwa exited the front door of the residence carrying an AK-47 rifle. Officers gave commands for Mr. Heady to drop the rifle but he refused. Mr. Heady then raised the rifle at officers in a threatening manner and two officers shot at Mr. Heady. No officers were injured in the incident.

Officers immediately began life-saving measures on Mr. Heady. Mr. Heady was transported to the Ottumwa Regional Health Center and underwent surgery for his injuries.

At or about 9:37 am, two additional subjects exited the rear of the house.

The two officers involved in the shooting are identified as Sergeant Noah Aljets and Officer Derek Shaw. Sergeant Aljets has been an Ottumwa Police Officer for a total of 12 years. Officer Shaw has been a Police Officer with the Ottumwa Police Department for 9 years. Both are members of the Ottumwa Police Department’s Emergency Response Team.

All officers involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave.

The Ottumwa Police Department immediately requested the assistance of the Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI).

The investigation is on-going. The investigative findings will be referred to the Wapello County Attorney’s Office for review.

The Police Department is asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident and have not been contacted by the Ottumwa Police Department or Division of Criminal Investigation to call the Ottumwa Police Department at 641-683-0661.

Please note the following pursuant to recent Supreme Court rulings: “A criminal charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.”