LINN COUNTY, Iowa — Law enforcement officials have identified the suspect involved in a Wednesday morning carjacking, vehicle pursuit, and officer-involved shooting as Samuel Reese III, 32, of Center Point, Alabama.
According to the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began around 8:30 a.m. on December 31, 2025, after authorities were alerted to an armed carjacking in Cedar Falls. At approximately 9:30 a.m., a deputy located the suspect vehicle — a gray Dodge Durango — traveling southbound on Interstate 380 near Center Point.
When the deputy attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver fled at a high rate of speed. Investigators say the suspect later exited onto County Home Road, lost control of the vehicle, and struck a road sign. As the pursuit continued, the driver reportedly leaned out of the vehicle and fired multiple rifle rounds toward the deputy.
The pursuit continued southbound on I-380 until the vehicle became disabled near Tower Terrace Road after striking cable barriers. Authorities say the suspect fled on foot into a nearby field while still armed and fired additional rounds at responding officers. Law enforcement returned fire, striking the suspect…