Iowa Department of Public Safety
Larry L. Noble, Commissioner
215 East 7th Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50319

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John F. Quinn, Director

For immediate release:  
Sunday, October 23, 2011  
Des Moines, Iowa  

DCI Releases Name of Officer Involved in Shooting

Ames, Iowa   - - -  The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI)is now releasing the name of the officer involved in the shooting incident in Ames last night.  The name of the officer is Patrick O’Bryan, a three year veteran of the Ames Police Department.

On October 21, 2011, the Ames Police Department received a report of a stolen motor vehicle, a black 2011 Toyota Sequoia.  At approximately 10:00 PM on October 22, 2011, the Ames Police Department, during routine patrol, located the vehicle which had been reported stolen.  Upon attempting to stop the vehicle, the vehicle fled from the scene.  During the pursuit, the suspect vehicle damaged three police vehicles and attempted to strike an officer who was outside of his vehicle. At that time Office O’Bryan discharged his duty weapon at the vehicle.

The suspect vehicle then left the Department of Transportation complex near Grand and South 4th Street, and headed north on Grand Avenue.  The suspect vehicle was then stopped at 8th and Grand Avenue.  After the vehicle was stopped, the driver of the vehicle Amanda Bergeson, 27, was placed into custody.  Crystal Messer, 29, the passenger of the vehicle, was taken to a hospital in Des Moines and is being treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Bergeson has been charged with Theft in the first degree, a Class C felony.  Bergeson was taken to the Story County Jail.  Both Bergeson and Messer could face additional charges pending consultation with the Story County Attorney's office.

 Amanda Bergeon Amanda Bergeson, 27

As is required by Ames Police Department policy, Officer O’Bryan has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

This investigation is being conducted by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Ames Police Department, and the Iowa State Patrol. Questions regarding this press release may be directed to DCI Special Agent in Charge Michael Motsinger at (515) 323-4360.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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