Shooting Investigation — Update & Arrest
On February 21, 2025, at approximately 9:52 pm, deputies from the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to 2021 290th Ave in DeWitt, in reference to a report of a disturbance and “shots fired.” Upon initial investigation, deputies located a 16-year-old male walking near the scene, who had sustained a gunshot wound to his upper torso. The 16-year-old male was transported to Mercy One-Genesis Medical Center (DeWitt) by the DeWitt ambulance. Shortly after arrival at Mercy One-Genesis DeWitt, the 16-year-old male was transported by a medical helicopter to the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics. The juvenile male was released from the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics on February 22, 2025.
As a result of the investigation and numerous interviews, deputies determined that on 02/21/25 at approximately 9:52 hours, a group of juveniles traveled in vehicles, to 2021 290th Ave. (DeWitt, IA.), with plans to engage in an altercation with another juvenile subject, who was believed to be at the residence. When the juveniles arrived at 2021 290th Ave, Brian Liphardt exited the residence, armed with a shotgun, and fired three rounds. The 16-year-old juvenile male was struck by one of the rounds fired from the shotgun and a vehicle attempting to leave the property was believed to be struck by another round.
The Clinton County Sheriff’s Office, through the investigation, determined several of the juveniles that had been at the scene of the shooting were students at DeWitt Central High School. As part of standard operating procedures, Administrators from DeWitt Central High School were notified of the investigation. The procedure of notifying school administrative officials of incidents occurring off school grounds, involving students from their respective school districts, is a standard procedure and is done to prevent any further conflict from arising on, or near, school property and jeopardizing the safety of other students or faculty.
As a result of this investigation, the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office arrested Brian M. Liphardt (Age 48) on 02/25/25 at approximately 5:05 pm. Brian Liphardt has been charged with the following felony criminal charges:
* Count #1: Willful Injury— Causing Bodily Injury 708.4
* Count #2: Intimidation with a Dangerous Weapon 708.6
Liphardt was transported to the Clinton County Jail, where he is awaiting his initial court appearance.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office at 563-242-9211 or contact Clinton County Crime Stoppers at 1-563-242-6595.
NOTE: Criminal charges are merely an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Submitted Bill Greenwalt, Sheriff (Clinton County Sheriff’s Office)
Drowning – Death Investigation
On February 26, 2025, at approximately 1:56 P.M., the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office, Welton Fire Department and the DeWitt Fire Department responded to the 2300 Block of 180th Street in Delmar, to a report of a man that had fallen through the ice of a rural farm pond, while ice fishing. Upon arrival, the first responders discovered an unresponsive male in the middle of the pond, that appeared to have fallen through the ice. The unresponsive adult male victim was located approximately 100 feet from the shore, in a small area of open water. The DeWitt Fire Department deployed an “ice rescue team”, outfitted with specialized ice rescue flotation suits and additional water/ice rescue equipment, and traversed the thin ice and water, until they were able to reach the victim. The victim was removed from the pond and pronounced dead at the scene. The identity of the victim is currently being withheld, pending proper notification of family.
The initial report was called in by a witness who had driven by the pond earlier in the day and noticed the adult male out ice fishing. The witness drove by later in the day and noticed the man’s gear still on the ice; however, was not able to see the adult male. The witness, concerned about the ice fisherman’s whereabouts, called “911” to report the incident.
The case remains under investigation by the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office and the Clinton County Medical Examiner’s Office. The Clinton County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Welton Fire Department, DeWitt Fire Department, Mercy-One Genesis (DeWitt) Ambulance and the Clinton County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Submitted by Sheriff Bill Greenwalt (Clinton County Sheriff’s Office)
