The latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Heartland

SIGOURNEY, IOWA -- Updated 4/5/11 2:20 p.m

KTVO has learned the names of the victims from the Monday afternoon shooting.

38-year-old deputy, Eric Stein, of the Keokuk sheriff's department was hit and killed after exchanging gunfire with the suspect.

Old Ottumwa Police booking photo

The suspect is being indentified as Jeff Krier of Sigourney.

__________________

Updated 4/4 9:30 p.m.

A suspect is dead after allegedly taking the life of a deputy sheriff. 

Iowa Governor Terry Branstad and Attorney General Tom Miller offered their condolences to the family and friends of the Keokuk Deputy Sheriff.

Iowa State Patrol Trooper Jason Marlow said three sheriff’s deputies approached a suspect around noon Monday in a rural Keokuk county home, just southwest of downtown Sigourney.  The subject allegedly shot and killed one of the deputies.  The other two deputies called for back up.  Just before 3 p.m. the stand off ended after the suspect was killed. 

“Residents in the Sigourney and Keokuk county area and surrounding areas should feel safe,” said Marlow at a press conference.  “Safety is our number one priority.”

Josh Myers, who lives close to where the standoff occurred, was worried when he first heard where the shootings took place.

“My friends just said I turned pale white,” said Myers.  “I was just sick to my stomach because I thought it could have possibly been my family or something involving my family.”

Myers was able to get near the scene and said he saw about 40 different police, sheriffs and state patrolmen in the area. 

Myers also hopes that the town will be able to heal after such a terrible tragedy. 

“I just hope they get to the bottom of it.”

As of 9:30 p.m. on Monday night the names of the deputy sheriffs and suspect were not released.  Stay tuned to KTVO news for updates on the developing story in Sigourney. 

Greg Deffenbaugh contributed to this story. 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Gov. Branstad issued the following statement in reaction to Monday’s standoff in Keokuk County, southwest of Sigourney:

 “Unfortunately, today again served as a painful reminder of the dangers faced by our brave men and women in law enforcement. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ family and friends, and all those affected by one man’s senseless act of violence today.”

Attorney General Tom Miller released the following statement after learning of the death of a Keokuk County Sheriff’s Deputy:

“Today’s tragic shootings remind us all of the bravery and dedication of the law enforcement officers who put their own lives and safety on the line to protect us all from danger.  My deepest sympathy goes to the families, colleagues and friends of the fallen deputy.  My condolences also go out to our state’s law enforcement community, and this senseless tragedy reminds us all of our commitment to supporting our law enforcement community.”