Denison police officer who shot, killed 36-year-old man was legally justified, officials say
The Denison police officer who shot and killed a 36-year-old man was legally justified, according to a report from the Iowa Attorney General's Office.In August, Sgt. Alan Romero responded to a person sleeping at Washington Park after park hours and found Feglys Antonio Campos Arriba sitting under a blanket in the bandshell stage, officials said.The Iowa Attorney General's Office said the two had a conversation in Spanish, and Romero gave Campos Arriba the option to leave or be arrested for trespassing. Campos Arriba chose to be arrested and stood up, putting his hands behind his back.READ MORE: Denison police identify 36-year-old man shot, killed by officer during confrontationWhen Romero began applying handcuffs, Campos Arriba turned to face him and started advancing on him, officials said. The sergeant stepped back to create space, but Campos Arriba kept advancing and did not comply with commands to put his hands behind his back.Authorities said Romero fired his stun gun, but it was not effective, and Campos Arriba chased the sergeant off the stage.According to the Iowa Attorney General's Office, Campos Arriba then took a fighting stance, and Romero unsuccessfully attempted to take him to the ground.Campos Arriba wrapped his arms around Romero and bit into the sergeant's left ear, tearing off a "large chunk of flesh," officials said.Romero disengaged and began to run, but Campos Arriba chased him, according to the Iowa Attorney General's Office. Romero then shot Campos Arriba in the chest, and he continued to charge the sergeant. The officer fired three more shots.Officials said Campos Arriba died at the scene.The Iowa Attorney General's Office said the Denison Police Department had contacted Campos Arriba the day before the incident and told him that he could not camp at Washington Park. Investigators said Campos Arriba was in the United States on a temporary work visa from Cuba, which expired in July 2025. NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |
