August 1st, 2025

DUBUQUE, Iowa – Lorenzo King Cruz, a 17 -year-old from Dubuque, was sentenced on July 28, 2025, following a series of criminal incidents, including a rare officer-involved shooting and a separate case involving serious injury by vehicle. The sentencing, overseen by Judge Monica L. Zrinyi Ackley, marks the resolution of charges stemming from two high-profile events that shook the community.

On December 24, 2024, Dubuque Police responded to a report in the 800 block of Alpine Street at approximately 11:50 a.m., concerning a teen possibly armed with a gun. Upon arrival, Cruz fled on foot. During the pursuit, he displayed a knife and charged at officers, prompting one to deploy a Taser, which missed. Two officers then fired their service weapons, striking Cruz in the arm and shoulder. Officers provided immediate medical aid, and Cruz was transported to a hospital for treatment. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations is still reviewing the incident, the first officer-involved shooting in Dubuque in 15 years.

Cruz faced multiple charges from this encounter, including Assault on Persons in Certain Occupations with a Dangerous Weapon, Interference with Official Acts with a Dangerous Weapon, Assault on a Dubuque Police Officer, and Resisting/Obstructing Officers. These charges reflect the severity of the confrontation. Cruz was sentenced to 5 years.

In a separate incident on December 1, 2024, Cruz was charged with two counts of Serious Injury by Vehicle, classified as Class D felonies, and one count of Operating While Under the Influence (OWI), a serious misdemeanor. On July 28, 2025, Cruz pleaded guilty to one count of Serious Injury by Vehicle through a negotiated plea. Judge Zrinyi Ackley sentenced him to five years in prison, a $1,025 fine (which was suspended), and a DNA requirement. The sentence is to be served consecutively. The second count of Serious Injury by Vehicle and the OWI charge were dismissed by the court.