DCI Identifies Waterloo Man Killed in Armed Confrontation After Police Chase
Benjamin Sink Obituary, Death News – Law enforcement officials have confirmed the identity of the individual killed in an officer-involved shooting that took place late Sunday night following a police chase in eastern Iowa. The man has been identified as 47-year-old Benjamin Sink of Waterloo. Sink was fatally shot after he fled from Grundy County Sheriff’s deputies and then engaged in an armed exchange with officers when his vehicle became disabled.
The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) has taken the lead on the case, confirming the chronology of the events that led to the tragic outcome. The incident began when Grundy County Sheriff’s deputies initiated an attempted traffic stop or apprehension of Sink. Authorities stated that Sink was being sought for outstanding warrants related to multiple domestic abuse charges.
The Pursuit and Armed Escalation
Rather than complying with law enforcement, Benjamin Sink immediately fled, leading deputies on a pursuit through the area. The chase reached its critical point when Sink’s vehicle suffered a mechanical failure or otherwise broke down, bringing it to an abrupt stop. It was at this moment, with officers attempting to contain the situation and effect an arrest, that the confrontation turned deadly.
According to the DCI, as officers approached the immobilized vehicle, Sink disregarded commands and opened fire on the law enforcement personnel present. This immediate and lethal threat prompted a swift defensive response. An Iowa State Patrol trooper and a Grundy County Sheriff’s deputy, whose names have not yet been released, both returned fire in response to Sink’s aggression. The exchange of gunfire resulted in Benjamin Sink being struck and ultimately killed at the scene.
The presence of multiple agencies highlights the seriousness of the initial pursuit. The involvement of both a Grundy County Deputy and an Iowa State Patrol Trooper suggests the pursuit may have crossed jurisdictional lines or escalated rapidly enough to warrant backup from state resources. The immediate danger posed to the officers—evidenced by Sink firing first—justifies the use of deadly force under standard protocols governing self-defense and the protection of other personnel.
DCI Takes Over Independent Investigation
As is standard procedure for all incidents involving the use of deadly force by law enforcement in Iowa, the DCI was immediately called in to conduct an independent and thorough investigation. This process is crucial for ensuring transparency and accountability. The DCI’s role is to collect and examine all evidence—including ballistics, officer body-worn camera footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence—to determine if the use of force was justified and compliant with department policies and state law.
The investigation will specifically look at the warrants Sink was facing, the details of the initial pursuit, the exact location and timing of the car breakdown, and the sequence of the shots fired. While the initial police report focuses on the fact that the suspect fired first, the DCI’s comprehensive review will provide an official and impartial conclusion.
The fact that Sink was wanted on several domestic abuse charges underscores the serious nature of the initial attempt to apprehend him. Such warrants often indicate an elevated risk of confrontation, as individuals sought for violent offenses may be more desperate to avoid capture.
The incident is a stark reminder of the inherent dangers officers face daily. While the identity of Benjamin Sink has been confirmed, the immediate focus remains on the DCI’s investigation and providing support to the officers and deputies involved in the traumatic, life-or-death encounter. Further details regarding the official findings of the investigation and whether the involved officers will be placed on administrative leave are expected as the DCI proceeds with its thorough review.
