Prosecutor clears Iowa City officer who shot woman

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IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Johnson County’s top prosecutor has cleared an Iowa City officer who shot a woman who’s accused of shooting him with a BB gun.

County Attorney Janet Lyness says in a report issued Monday that Officer Michael Clark acted with reasonable force on July 29.

The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation says the exchange of shots occurred after police were called to check a shoplifting report. The officers found a suspect who was later identified as 25-year-old Cierra Lewis. Police say she shot Clark several times, including in the face. He then fired five shots at her, striking her in a hand.

Lewis has pleaded not guilty to theft, willful injury, and assault with a weapon on a peace officer.

A mental competency hearing is scheduled for Dec. 16 to determine whether she can go to trial.