North Iowa Pursuit Suspect Shot and Killed in Gunfire with Officers Identified

Authorities have identified the suspect who died after he engaged law enforcement in gunfire following a high speed pursuit in north Iowa over the weekend.

The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) says the pursuit involving 47-year-old Benjamin Sink of Waterloo began around 9:30 p.m. Sunday (11.16) night. Sink was wanted on charges related to a domestic relationship, but refused to pull over for a traffic stop.

Sink’s vehicle was eventually halted by stop sticks on Highway 20 near the Black Hawk/Grundy County line. After exiting his vehicle, Sink allegedly fired a gun at officers. 

Deputies from the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office and an Iowa State Patrol trooper returned fire, hitting Sink. Officers administered lifesaving measures on-site before transporting him to MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased.

None of the officers were injured, and they have been placed on critical incident leave. 

The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation into the shooting, with findings to be reviewed by both the Black Hawk County Attorney’s Office and the Iowa Attorney General.