A manhunt is underway in Iowa for Mark Lee Jackson, 59, who is accused of shooting a police officer after fleeing a traffic stop. Jackson, of Des Moines, is wanted for attempted murder and has been at large since Friday evening.
Authorities in Muscatine said Jackson was driving recklessly when a Muscatine County Sheriff's Office deputy attempted to stop his vehicle Friday evening. He allegedly continued to drive erratically at a high speed before crashing and fleeing on foot. Law enforcement located him several blocks from the initial stop, but during a foot pursuit, he allegedly fired at officers, striking a Muscatine Police Department officer in the elbow area.
Muscatine Police Chief Anthony Kies stated Sunday night that Jackson fired toward an area where bystanders and children were present. The injured officer is recovering at home and is expected to make a full recovery.
Jackson is also facing warrants for parole violation through Iowa State Corrections and for theft through the Muscatine Police Department. Kies emphasized that law enforcement agencies nationwide will be involved in locating Jackson, whom he described as armed and dangerous.
Authorities have established a perimeter around the area where Jackson fled after the shooting and have deployed an Iowa search and rescue K-9 team. Drone and aviation units are also being utilized in the search. Jackson is described as approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall and 145 pounds, with blue eyes and thinning gray hair.
Anyone with information regarding Jackson's whereabouts is urged to contact the Muscatine Police Department at 563-263-9922.