On Saturday, May 20, 2023, at 6:21pm, a Marshalltown Police Department vehicle struck a four-year-old, male child. This accident occurred near the intersection of Woodbury Street and North 12th Avenue in Marshalltown. The police vehicle was being driven by Officer David Danielson. Officer Danielson was conducting a routine patrol through the area when the accident occurred. Officer Danielson immediately summoned medical treatment for the child. The child was subsequently transported to an area medical facility and was treated for an injury sustained to his right foot and lower leg.
Officer Danielson has served the City of Marshalltown as a police officer for sixteen years. Officer Danielson currently works as a uniformed patrol officer.
The Marshalltown Police Department is releasing police vehicle camera footage of this accident. The department is also releasing video from a private resident. The videos offer a transparent view of what occurred on May 20. The videos are available to the media upon request. The videos can also be found on the Marshalltown Police Department Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/MarshalltownPD).
Chief Michael Tupper stated, “The video footage clearly depicts an unavoidable accident. Officer Danielson was carefully operating his police vehicle on May 20. What occurred is unfortunate but Officer Danielson did nothing wrong. It was an accident, pure and simple. Officer Danielson quickly stopped his vehicle and immediately summoned emergency medical care for the child. We continue to keep the child and his family in our prayers and we hope for a speedy recovery.”
The Marshalltown Police Department was assisted at this accident scene by the Marshalltown Fire Department and the Unity Point Ambulance service. The Iowa State Patrol is assisting the police department with an analysis of police vehicle black box data. This investigation remains active until the black box data is available.
AUTHORITY: Michael W. Tupper, Chief of Police (mtupper@marshalltown-ia.gov or 641.754.5771)