July 05, 2025

Man charged after exchanging gunshots with officers

VINTON (AP) — A Vinton man who authorities say fired a gun toward officers has been charged with three crimes.

The Iowa Public Safety Department says 43-year-old Lyle Fowler on Friday shot toward officers sent to check his welfare. The two officers fired back, but no one was wounded in the exchange.

The department says the officers were Sgt. Benjamin Parmater and Patrol Officer Katlyn Schimerowski of the Vinton Police Department.

Benton County court records say Fowler is charged with two counts of armed assault on a peace officer, two counts of interference with official acts and two counts of going armed with intent. His attorney didn’t immediately return a call Tuesday from The Associated Press.

Fowler’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 18.