On June 8th, Catton was questioning 45 year old Jason Morales outside a Casey's convenience store on West 53rd Street. When he tried to arrest Morales because of outstanding warrants, a struggle ensued. Morales fired his handgun once, and missed, while the officer was able to fire four shots - one hit the suspect in the head and he was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
Senior Assistant Scott County Attorney Caleb Copley says the evidence shows Catton's use of force was reasonable.
"Jason Morales's actions of brandishing and shooting a firearm in the direction of Officer Catton, continuing to attempt to point that firearm in his direction during a physical confrontation, it being a loaded firearm, certainly put the life and physical safety of Officer Catton at risk. It was reasonable and necessary for Officer Catton to fire his weapon to prevent injury or death to himself."
The officer involved shooting was investigated by the Scott County Sheriff's Offce and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
The officer is still on administrative leave, and the Davenport Police Department will review the case to determine if he followed department policy.
