By: Matt Scher, matts@977thebolt.com
Fort Dodge, IA – The Webster County Attorney’s Office has determined that a Fort Dodge man acted in self-defense during a fatal shooting last week, and no criminal charges will be filed.
According to an update released Wednesday by the Fort Dodge Police Department, 45-year-old Thomas Henry Ahrens of Fort Dodge died after being shot during an incident on July 24 in the 1300 block of 3rd Avenue North.
Police identified 31-year-old Josiah Byram of Fort Dodge as the shooter.
Investigators say Byram was actively retreating from an attack by Ahrens, which ultimately continued into Byram’s residence. Authorities say Byram fired a single shot that struck Ahrens before calling 911 to report the shooting.
Ahrens was transported to UnityPoint Health before being pronounced dead.
Following the investigation, Fort Dodge Police submitted interviews and evidence to the Webster County Attorney’s Office. After reviewing the case, the county attorney concluded Byram’s actions were legally justified as self-defense, and no charges will be filed.
The shooting was originally reported at approximately 1:52 p.m. on July 24. Police have previously stated the incident was isolated between two individuals who knew each other and that there was no ongoing threat to the public.
The Fort Dodge Police Department was assisted in the investigation by the Fort Dodge Fire Department and the Webster County Sheriff’s Office.