Tactical unit shoots man suspected of killing deputy

SIGOURNEY (AP) ? Officials say a state tactical unit member killed a Keokuk County man who is suspected of fatally shooting a 38-year-old deputy sheriff.

Deputy Eric Stein died at the scene a few miles northwest of Sigourney around noon on Monday. The other man was identified as 53-year-old Jeffrey Krier.

A news release says Stein, Keokuk County Sheriff Jeff Shipley and Deputy Casey Hinnah had intended to talk to Krier about an incident Sunday night. The release says that when the three approached the house, Krier opened fire, hitting Stein. Shipley and Hannah weren?t hurt.

City, county and state law enforcement officers responded to the scene after Stein was shot.

Authorities say after a three-hour standoff with the officers, Krier was armed as he left his home. It was unclear whether Krier threatened officers when he left the house.

Iowa State Patrol Trooper Jason Marlow said during a news conference that the situation ?was resolved? before 3 p.m.

Marlow said he was not aware of anyone else being in the home when the shooting happened. He wasn?t sure whether anyone lived there besides the suspect.

Mahaska County Sheriff Paul Degeest said the deputy who died had been on the force for eight or nine years. Degeest spoke for Keokuk County Sheriff Jeff Shipley, who was said to be conducting interviews as part of the investigation.

Sigourney has about 2,000 residents.

Gov. Terry Branstad issued a statement Monday afternoon, saying the shooting is ?a painful reminder of the dangers faced by our brave men and women in law enforcement.?