Toni Elena-Ann Salazar of Stuart, Iowa State Patrol Trooper Chase Carruthers, and 46-year-old Austin Nichols Reed of Stuart have been identified in connection with a shooting that left Salazar dead and Carruthers wounded. Reed has been taken into custody and charged with murder in connection with Salazar’s death.
The shooting happened in the 200 block of SW 6th Street in Stuart, according to a criminal complaint obtained by KCCI. Authorities said the incident occurred when Reed allegedly approached two people who were standing near a gazebo.
According to court documents, Reed allegedly walked up behind the two individuals and fired a shotgun, striking Salazar. She suffered serious injuries in the shooting and later died.
The complaint further alleges that Reed pointed the shotgun at the second person and pulled the trigger. However, the weapon reportedly malfunctioned, allowing the individual to escape without being injured.
The shooting prompted a major law enforcement response in the Stuart area as authorities worked to secure the scene and locate the alleged shooter.
During the response, Iowa State Patrol Trooper Chase Carruthers was shot and wounded. Carruthers was transported by ambulance to a Des Moines hospital for treatment.
The Iowa State Patrol said Carruthers was in stable condition following the shooting. He has been with the Iowa Department of Public Safety since 2025.
Authorities later arrested Austin Nichols Reed, 46, of Stuart. He has been charged with murder in connection with the death of Toni Elena-Ann Salazar.
The criminal complaint details the allegations against Reed, but those allegations have not been proven in court. Reed is presumed innocent unless and until he is found guilty through the legal process.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue working to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the events that led to the deadly confrontation.
The incident has left the Stuart community shaken, with one woman dead, a state trooper recovering from gunshot injuries and another individual reportedly escaping the attack unharmed.
As the legal proceedings move forward, investigators are expected to continue gathering evidence and reviewing the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Further information may be released as the investigation progresses and court proceedings continue.
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