MARION, Iowa — Marion police have identified the man who was shot and killed by an officer during an early morning encounter Wednesday as 18-year-old Saber Bernard of Marion.
Police say officers were dispatched to the 4100 block of Deer Valley Drive around 7:50 a.m. after Bernard reportedly asked a neighbor to call police because he wanted to speak with an officer. When officers arrived, they spoke with Bernard and the neighbor for approximately three minutes.
According to investigators, the situation escalated when Bernard allegedly pulled out a machete and began advancing toward officers. Police say officers repeatedly ordered him to stop and attempted to use a taser, but it was ineffective. One officer then fired a single shot, striking Bernard.
Police said Bernard initially resisted but soon became unresponsive. Officers immediately began life-saving measures, including CPR, until paramedics arrived. Bernard was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation has been called in to independently investigate the officer-involved shooting, which is standard procedure in such cases. The officers involved have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Authorities have not released additional details as the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Marion Police Department or the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
