SUSPECT SHOT WHILE TRYING TO FLEE IN TROOPER'S CAR

1/12/00
MENLO, IA - An Iowa state trooper shot a Colorado burglary
suspect who was attempting to flee in the trooper's car.

The suspect, Joseph A. Ewig, 27, a recently released Colorado 
prison inmate, was shot once in the stomach. He was taken to
Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, where he was
listed in serious condition.

The incident began Monday, at 9:30 a.m., when Trooper Ken Haas
stopped Ewig for speeding and not wearing a seat belt. As Ewig
sat in the trooper's car, he told Haas he forgot his identification
in the truck, according to Sgt. David Garrison, an Iowa State Patrol
spokesman.

Haas accompanied the suspect to the truck. Ewig appeared to be
retrieving something from the glove compartment, but instead
started the truck's engine and sped away, Garrison said.

Haas gave chase and eventually forced Ewig into a ditch by ramming the
side of the truck. Haas approached the truck and as Ewig tried to escape 
a second time, a scuffle ensued. Ewig broke free, ran to the trooper's car
and jumped into the driver's side. As Haas tried to stop Ewig, a struggle
for the trooper's gun began and the suspect was shot, Garry on said.

Haas, a five-year member of the patrol, suffered minor injuries to him
during the altercation.

The shooting was being investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal
Investigation.

Backup news staff writer Stacia Opland

http://www.thebackup.com/newsdetail.asp?id=3006 

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