Des Moines, IOWA — Iowa State Patrol Troopers and local law enforcement officers responded Thursday to a 911 call of  “shots fired” along Interstate I-80, about 20-miles east of Iowa City, and just east of the 265 mile marker at the rest area.

Officials say the suspect then drove west bound and exited at the 265 exit where he fired more rounds at motorists at the BP gas station. Troopers encountered the suspect on County RD X46 where they engaged him and exchanged gunfire. After a brief stand-off Troopers/Officers were able to take the suspect into custody. No injuries were sustained by the suspect or law enforcement.

The Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is investigating as a result of officers involved in shooting. The Officers involved and the suspect’s name will not be released at this time.

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press….

TOLEDO, Iowa (AP) — A Marion kindergarten teacher has been acquitted of not reporting that a 15-year-old classroom volunteer sexually abused her students. Cedar Rapids television station KCRG reports that a Tama County jury on Thursday found 59-year-old Diane Graham not guilty of failing to report sexual abuse. Prosecutors said Graham was teaching at Starry Elementary when two students told her in August 2016 that they were being abused by the volunteer. Prosecutors said she didn’t report the abuse, as required.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A judge recently appointed by Gov. Kim Reynolds has recused herself from a high-profile civil lawsuit. Judge Samantha Gronewald has disqualified herself from overseeing the wrongful termination case brought by former Division of Criminal Investigation agent Larry Hedlund. Gronewald didn’t elaborate on the reason. But records show she and her husband have contributed to former Gov. Terry Branstad and other Republican candidates for years.

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — Some eastern Iowa hospitals have announced restrictions on visitation in the wake of a vicious flu season that has strained hospitals across the country. Mercy Medical Center in Dubuque and Dyersville and UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital in Dubuque have announced patient visitation restrictions starting Friday because of the respiratory virus.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A Cincinnati-based company says it’s closing a Des Moines stockroom over the next four months, affecting the jobs of about 35 workers. The Des Moines Register reports that Cintas acquired the facility when it merged with G&K Services. Cintas said Thursday that the employees are encouraged to apply for open positions at other facilities in the Des Moines market. Cintas offers uniforms, floor care products and other goods and services to its customers.

The next session of Healthy U is scheduled for noon on Thursday, January 18th, at the Cass County Health System. Wendy Hunter – Williams, RN, BSN, will present the program on how to utilize MyChart, the new patient portal available for CCHS patients. Wendy is a clinical health coach at Atlantic Medical Center.

She says “It is important that patients partner with medical providers in the healthcare process. MyChart is a valuable online tool that provides tremendous information and access for patients so they can be an active partner in improving their own health.”

Wendy Hunter-Williams

Wendy will demonstrate how patients can maximize the benefits of MyChart, including tracking health markers such as blood pressure or iron levels, reviewing visit notes and instructions after an appointment, and checking upcoming appointment schedules.

Wendy has been with Atlantic Medical Center for five years. As a clinical health coach, she assists patients with the day-to-day management of chronic illnesses, providing support between visits with their medical providers.

Healthy U is a free educational lunch series at Cass County Health System held monthly in Conference Room 2. The public is invited and welcome to attend, but reservations are required as lunch is provided for all attendees. Call 712-243-7479 to reserve your seat.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa City auto repair business owner has been charged with a misdemeanor after police say he repeatedly asked a customer if he was a Muslim and a terrorist. The Johnson County Attorney’s office said Thursday that 47-year-old Chad Cermak has been charged with third-degree harassment. He was arrested Tuesday after police say a person complained that he went Monday afternoon to Cermak Automotive, where Cermak repeatedly asked him if he is a Muslim, a terrorist, a suicide bomber and other questions.

Police say the customer tried several time to end the questioning. The prosecutor’s office say Cermak has pleaded not guilty, and his trial is set for Feb. 16.

DES MOINES – Senator Jason Schultz, R-Schleswig, has Harlan resident Brody Larson as his legislative clerk for the 2018 session. Larson is 20 years old and is attending Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) studying political science. “My family has a lot of political involvement and a significant history of law and politics in the family,” said Larson. “During my time as a clerk in the Senate, I hope to learn more about the legislative process.”

“I am so pleased to have someone from my district with me for the legislative session,” said Senator Schultz. “I look forward to introducing Brody to the legislative process in the Senate, to my colleagues, and to many of the constituents who visit me at the Iowa Capitol this year.”