As a follow up to Sunday’s officer involved shooting in Leon, the DCI today (Monday), released additional information including the identity of the officer and the driver: On July 7th, 2019, at 3:08 a.m., Leon Police Officer John Thomas stopped a vehicle driven by 55-year old Patrick Bauer of Marshfield, Missouri. During the stop, Mr. Bauer approached Officer Thomas, who was seated in his marked police vehicle. Mr. Bauer sprayed Officer Thomas with a chemical agent, which is commonly referred to as “mace”. After being sprayed, Officer Thomas fired multiple rounds from his handgun, striking Mr. Bauer.

At the scene, law enforcement and emergency medial responders provided medical attention to Officer Thomas and Mr. Bauer. Officer Thomas was released from the scene. Mr. Bauer was airlifted to a Des Moines hospital, where his condition is currently unknown.

There is no known video recording of this incident. Officer Thomas was not wearing a body camera and his vehicle was not outfitted with a video camera. Officer Thomas is on paid administrative leave.

DCI agents will continue to gather the facts surrounding the shooting. The findings will be forwarded to the Decatur County Attorney’s Office. This process may take several weeks. No additional information will be released concerning this investigation.