Mental evaluation ordered for suspect in Iowa City officer-involved shooting
Iowa City police respond to the scene where an officer-involved shooting reportedly occurred near 11 Highway West on July 29, 2019.
September 14, 2019
A judge has ordered a mental-competency evaluation of the woman accused of injuring an Iowa City police officer in a BB gun shooting in July.
Sixth District Judge Chad Kepros on Wednesday set a hearing for Oct. 23 to determine whether Cierra Lewis, 25, is fit to stand trial, according to court records.
Lewis’ attorney Quint Meyerdirk filed a motion Wednesday to evaluate the defendant’s mental state. Meyerdirk said in the document that after speaking to Lewis and her mother, he determined Lewis won’t be able to assist in her defense or performing the reasoning necessary to consider pleas and make other decisions.
A psychologist at the Iowa Medical and Classification Center in Coralville will conduct Lewis’ evaluation.
Lewis is charged with willful injury resulting in serious injury, a Class-C felony, and assault on persons engaged in certain occupations with the intent to cause serious injury, a Class-D felony. She has waived her right to a speedy trial.
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As The Daily Iowan previously reported, Iowa City police responded to a complaint of shoplifting at 11 Highway 1 W. around 3:29 p.m. July 29. Police located Lewis in a nearby area.
During the investigation, authorities said, Lewis shot Officer Michael Clark multiple times in the face with a BB gun. Clark also discharged his weapon, striking Lewis. Both were briefly admitted to a nearby hospital.
Lewis is next set to appear in court for a case-management conference at 9 a.m. Sept. 27. The trial date is set for Dec. 17.