Des Moines, Iowa – A police officer in Des Moines, Iowa, was injured during an arrest when the suspect allegedly violently assaulted him, resulting in the officer firing his weapon. Senior police officer Chad Ruroden suffered head and jaw injuries during the interaction with the suspect, 19-year-old Jose Daniel Rodriguez-Sanchez, who was ultimately struck in the upper torso by Ruroden’s weapon. Ruroden has been released from the hospital and is now receiving outpatient care, while Rodriguez-Sanchez remains hospitalized but is expected to survive, according to a police news release.
The incident unfolded when Ruroden attempted to detain Rodriguez-Sanchez, who was reportedly fleeing from another officer after being seen assaulting his mother. As the two crossed paths at Southwest 11th and Wade streets, Rodriguez-Sanchez allegedly charged at Ruroden and began attacking him. Despite being wounded, Rodriguez-Sanchez continued his assault until additional officers intervened, utilizing a Taser and pepper spray to subdue him.
Evidence suggests that during the altercation, Rodriguez-Sanchez attempted to disarm Ruroden of his duty handgun. As a result of the incident, Rodriguez-Sanchez faces charges including assault on a peace officer with intent to inflict serious injury, disarming a peace officer, domestic abuse assault, and interference with official acts. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation is currently handling the case, with plans to release body camera footage following a review by the Iowa attorney general and Polk County attorney.
This marks the seventh officer-involved shooting in Des Moines since July, with this being the first non-fatal one. While officers were cleared in five of the previous cases, the remaining incidents remain under investigation. The Des Moines community awaits further developments in this ongoing investigation as authorities work to ensure accountability and justice in this latest confrontation between law enforcement and civilians.