Suspect exonerated on video evidence in Fort Dodge shootings

By: Matt Scher, [email protected]

Fort Dodge, IA – A Fort Dodge teen who was wanted by the Fort Dodge Police Department turned himself in yesterday and was exonerated based on video evidence. 17-year-old Patrick Walker was arrested on multiple felony offenses, but was released soon after when video showed he was not involved in the shooting. The Fort Dodge Police Department released the following press release detailing their investigation so far:

“Prior to today, local law enforcement officials, to include the Fort Dodge Police Department and the Webster County Attorney’s Office have been involved in the investigation of numerous calls for service related to shots being fired within Fort Dodge. To date, one arrest has been made regarding the investigation, that of Quanterious Altman, made on June 23, 2022, as indicated by prior press releases. Altman is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

At the time of Altman’s arrest additional arrest warrants were obtained for Patrick Walker, 17, of Fort Dodge for multiple felony offenses. On today’s date, Mr. Walker voluntarily contacted and turned himself in to officers with the Fort Dodge Police Department, without issue. Mr. Walker was transported to the Webster County Law Enforcement Center where he was interviewed by authorities related to his alleged involvement and knowledge of the shooting occurring in the area of the 600 Block of North 22nd Street in Fort Dodge. Mr. Walker provided video to law enforcement which showed he was in a nearby residence at
the time of the shooting and in no way responsible for the shots being fired. This video only exonerated
the Defendant of these charges and provided no other information to law enforcement. Based on video
provided by Mr. Walker which indicates eyewitnesses provided incorrect information, the Webster
County Attorney’s Office, in close consultation with detectives with the Fort Dodge Police Department
has filed a Motion to Dismiss the charges previously filed against the Defendant. The Court has issued
an Order dismissing the charges at the State’s request. As in all matters, at the time these charges were filed, law enforcement relied on corroborated and available evidence gathered during this investigation in requesting the warrants obtained. Evidence relied upon by the State in dismissing these charges included video which shows Mr. Walker was incapable of firing the gunshots in question.

As in all matters, Patrick Walker was presumed to be innocent of the charges alleged and that presumption, along with additional information learned, caused law enforcement officers to believe probable cause no longer exists indicating Mr. Walker was involved in this incident. The Webster County Attorney’s Office, will file to have any record of the dismissed charges removed from any and all records pertaining to Mr. Walker.

Quanterious Altman remains in the custody of the Webster County Jail related to the charges previously released. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Questions regarding this release may be directed to First Assistant Webster County Attorney, Ryan Baldridge.”