On Tuesday, August 11, 2015 at approximately 11:11pm Officers from the DeWitt Police Department and Clinton County Sheriff’s Office responded to gun shots being fired near 6th Ave and 9th Street in DeWitt. ‘Read more’ for an update on the victim and a ‘person of interest’ identified with his picture included
Upon arrival officers discovered a 22 year old male from Long Grove, Iowa had been shot. The victim was then transported to Genesis Hospital in DeWitt for treatment and is listed in stable condition.
The preliminary investigation reveals that the victim was traveling in a 2008 Pontiac with two other subjects, when one of the occupants produced a handgun inside the vehicle and fired several rounds at the victim. After being shot the victim’s vehicle struck a marked police car that was parked in front of the police station. After the vehicle came to rest, the other two occupants fled the vehicle on foot.
The incident is being jointly investigated by members of the DeWitt Police Department and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. Anyone with further information or that may have witnessed the incident is asked to contact the DeWitt Police Department at 563-659-3145 or call the Clinton County Crime Stoppers toll free at 888-883-8015.
UPDATE: August 11, 2015 3:00pm
The victim of the shooting last night has been identified as Michael Eric Dewispelaere 22 of Long Grove, Iowa. Mr. Dewispelaere remains in stable condition and has been transferred from Genesis Hospital in DeWitt to another medical facility for more advanced treatment. Additionally, police are attempting to locate and to speak to 26 year old Alejandro “Alex” Lira of Moline, Illinois, who at this time is considered a person of interest in the investigation. Anyone with information as to how to contact Mr. Lira is asked to contact the DeWitt Police Department at (563)-659-3145.
