By: Caitlin McFall
https://www.foxnews.com/person/m/caitlin-mcfall
An Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) officer was shot and killed by Michael Lang, a former candidate for county sheriff, authorities announced Saturday.
Sergeant Jim Smith was killed during a standoff at Lang’s home Friday, following a previous altercation with police officials.
Lang was stopped for a traffic violation Friday evening, before assaulting the police officer by removing his firearm and stun gun, and then placing the officer in chokehold.
Other officers arrived on the scene and told Lang to drop the weapon. Lang reportedly yelled, "Come get me" before getting into his vehicle and driving to his home.
Lang reportedly opened fire at the carrier, to which three officers returned fire, shooting Lang several times.
>>Lang was hospitalized and remains in critical condition Saturday. He has been charged with first-degree murder and is being held on a $1 million bond.
Commissioner Steve Bayens said Smith "died a hero" and "sacrificed himself protecting others."
>>"We are hurting, we are angry," Bayens said. "But rest assured we’re not broken. We will continue to shoulder the burdens of our communities while carrying our own. We will continue to stand in the gap of good and evil because, like Jim, that is what we are called to do."
Gov. Kim Reynolds said that flags will be flown at half-mast in honor of Smith’s memory and the service he gave in the line of duty.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/former-iowa-sheriff-candidate-accused-of-murdering-police-sergeant-following-tense-standoff