ALGONA, IA – A tragic incident unfolded in Algona, Iowa, as a local police officer was fatally shot while attempting to apprehend a suspect. The officer, identified as 33-year-old Kevin Cram, was pronounced dead at a hospital following the incident that occurred on Wednesday evening.
Cram, a dedicated law enforcement officer who had been serving the Algona community since 2015, was attempting to arrest 43-year-old Kyle Ricke when the shooting occurred. Ricke, who was wanted on a harassment charge, was later apprehended in Brown County, Minnesota, about 100 miles north of Algona.
The incident led to a Blue Alert being issued, a system designed to inform the public of a potential threat to law enforcement. Ricke was taken into custody without any further incidents just before midnight on Wednesday.
The loss of Officer Cram, a husband and father, has sent shockwaves through the community and the law enforcement fraternity. Iowa Public Safety Commissioner Stephan Bayens expressed the collective grief at a news conference, stating, “We are experiencing a profound sense of loss, but we will remain resilient and continue to fulfill our duties.”
Officer Cram was on routine patrol when he received information about an arrest warrant for Ricke. Upon encountering Ricke, Cram informed him of the impending arrest, which led to the fatal shooting.
Ricke is now facing a first-degree murder charge in connection with Officer Cram’s death. He is currently being held in Minnesota, awaiting extradition to Iowa. Attempts to reach Ricke’s attorney for comments have so far been unsuccessful.