March 13, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
This press release provides an update regarding the officer-involved shooting incident that occurred earlier this year.
On January 11, 2026, officers with the West Liberty Police Department and the Muscatine County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a domestic assault at 501 N. Elm St. in West Liberty. The victim reported she had been assaulted by her boyfriend, Jay Bateman, and that he remained inside the residence.
At approximately 6:46 a.m., Officer Derek Holmes of the West Liberty Police Department and Deputy Damien Maynard of the Muscatine County Sheriff’s Office arrived on scene and attempted to speak with Bateman but received no response.
Officers entered the house and encountered Bateman who was armed with a knife.
Officer Holmes and Deputy Maynard repeatedly ordered Bateman to drop the knife while creating distance, issuing the command more than 15 times. Bateman refused and continued advancing toward Officer Holmes.
Both officers then deployed their Tasers in an attempt to stop Bateman, but the deployments had no significant effect. Bateman continued advancing while still holding the knife. Officer Holmes was eventually backed into the attached bathroom of the bedroom with no other exit. As Bateman continued advancing toward him, Officer Holmes discharged his firearm once, striking Bateman.
Bateman was then disarmed and taken into custody. Officers immediately rendered emergency medical aid before Bateman was transported to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for treatment. Officer Holmes and Deputy Maynard were not injured during the incident.
After Bateman was released from UIHC, he was transported to the Muscatine County Jail, where he currently remains on the following pending charges: Going Armed with Intent, Interference with Official Acts While Displaying a Weapon, Domestic Abuse Assault with Use or Display of a Weapon – 1st Offense, Domestic Abuse Assault – 2nd Offense, Harassment – 1st Degree, and Obstruction of Emergency Communications. These charges are mere accusations, and Bateman is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The officer-involved shooting was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and reviewed by the Muscatine County Attorney’s Office. It was determined that Officer Holmes’ actions were legally justified under Iowa law. Officer Holmes has since been cleared and returned to duty.
The West Liberty Police Department fully supports Officer Holmes and recognizes that he was placed in a rapidly evolving and extremely dangerous situation. Officer Holmes responded appropriately and in accordance with his training, experience, and the law. Once the threat was stopped, Officer Holmes and Deputy Maynard immediately provided life-saving emergency medical aid to Bateman. The West Liberty Police Department commends both officers for their courage, professionalism, and decisive actions in bringing the situation under control.
The West Liberty Police Department thanks the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Muscatine County Sheriff’s Office, Muscatine Police Department, Muscatine County Attorney’s Office, Wilton Police Department, Iowa State Patrol, and West Liberty Fire/EMS for their assistance with this incident.
Chief Josh Houser
West Liberty Police Department
319-627-2223
The official press release can be found here: Officer-Involved Shooting Conclusion