SIOUX CITY, Iowa – The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) has released new details about a fatal officer-involved shooting that took place at the parking ramp of the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. According to the DCI, the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, Jan. 8, when a patrol officer witnessed a white truck ramming into his vehicle in the casino’s parking garage.
The driver of the truck, identified as 55-year-old Salvador Perez-Garcia of Sioux City, then reportedly encountered other responding officers as he attempted to exit the parking garage. Perez-Garcia allegedly drove into a second patrol vehicle before getting out of the truck and wielding a chain with a metal object attached. Despite attempts by the officers to disarm him, Perez-Garcia continued to advance towards them, prompting the officers to fatally shoot him at the scene.
The names of the officers involved in the shooting have not been disclosed, but they have been placed on paid administrative leave pending further investigation. This was not Perez-Garcia’s first encounter with law enforcement, as he was previously involved in an alleged stand-off at a downtown apartment building in October 2022, during which he reportedly made threats with a firearm.
The Iowa DCI will continue to investigate the incident and plans to release more details at a later date. Meanwhile, the Sioux City Police Department will conduct an internal investigation to determine whether the officers involved adhered to department policies during the fatal encounter.