Iowa Attorney General’s Office Concludes Officers Acted with Legal Justification in Polk County Shooting

DES MOINES-In a report issued today, the Iowa Attorney General's Office has concluded that the February 19, 2026, fatal shooting of Hunter Thomas Munoz by two Des Moines Police Officers was legally justified.

The Attorney General's conclusion was based on a review and investigation by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. The investigation found that on the afternoon of February 19, 2026, Des Moines Police were dispatched to a stabbing at the Crisis Observation Center (COC), located near the intersection of Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway and Carpenter Avenue in Des Moines. They were initially informed that a patient had stabbed a security guard and the victim was trapped in a room with the patient.

Medical personnel were dispatched to aid the safety officer but were directed to stay at a safe distance until the scene was secured. Meanwhile, Officer Christian Escobar was the first to arrive on scene and encountered the patient, Hunter Thomas Munoz, walking into the street near the COC. Officer Escobar could see there was nothing in his hands, but noted that he was breathing heavy, had blood on his face, and had two taser probes embedded in the front of his coat. Officer Escobar drew his firearm and directed Munoz to get on his knees. Instead, Munoz pulled his hands to his chest, shook his head and said, "you're going to have to shoot me," as he again began walking toward the officer.

Des Moines Officers David Chase and James Gano arrived at the intersection to assist. Officer Chase had drawn his Taser and Officer Gano his firearm. Munoz continued to state that officers were going to have to shoot him. Officer Chase deployed his Taser as Munoz pulled a stiletto knife from his back pocket. Munoz then ran at Officer Escobar with the knife clenched in his fist and both Officer Escobar and Officer Gano fired. Munoz fell to the ground where officers immediately secured him and began life saving measures. Munoz was taken to the hospital but died from his injuries.

Evidence collected during the investigation showed that Munoz had been brought by family to the COC for a mental health evaluation. He had been evaluated and treated in previous years but had stopped taking his medications and his symptoms were worsening. Before he was to enter the triage room, he was asked by a security officer in the hall to empty his pockets and was told he would be searched for weapons. The security officer prepared to "wand" Munoz for weapons when Munoz pulled a knife from his jacket pocket and stabbed the officer in his right shoulder and chest area near the collar bone.

The officer fought back, but as a result of the struggle fell backward into the triage room. While still on the ground the officer deployed his Taser, but it was not effective. Another staff member came to the door yelling at Munoz, which drew his attention away from the injured officer. The distraction was enough time for the officer to produce his OC/pepper spray and spray it at Munoz. Munoz turned his head quickly to avoid getting the spray in his face. He lingered in the hallway for a brief time before exiting the building where he encountered the Des Moines officers.

All other staff members and patients at the COC that day remained safe, as staff had activated lock-down procedures during the attack. The security officer sustained critical injuries and was transported to the hospital. His condition stabilized and he was released after several days. His recovery is ongoing.

Des Moines Police Officers Christian Escobar and James Gano were justified in their use of deadly force against Hunter Thomas Munoz. The officers went into a known violent situation and attempted numerous methods of de-escalation before Munoz ran at them with a knife.

The report is issued under the Attorney General's independent authority under Iowa Code section 13.12 to investigate or prosecute conduct of law enforcement that results in death.

A copy of the report is available here.

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For More Information:

Jen Green

[email protected]