Investigation Continues Into Sunday Evening Shooting Incident Involving Glenwood Principal

Law enforcement officials are continuing their investigation into a Sunday evening altercation in Glenwood that resulted in gunfire and left three people hospitalized, including Glenwood Community High School principal Richard Hutchinson. The incident occurred around 5:45 p.m. near Hutchinson's residence at 209 N. Myrtle St., but few details about the incident have been released to the public.

At a press conference Monday afternoon, Mills County Attorney Tricia McSorley said nine people were present during the altercation, including three who were injured - Hutchinson, his step-son Hurl Beechum and Colton McDaniel of Glenwood, who sustained a gunshot wound. All three were still  hospitalized Monday, but none of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening, McSorley said.

McSorley said The Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation is assisting the Glenwood Police Department with its investigation and as of Monday afternoon more than a dozen people had been interviewed. Additional interviews are planned.

"No charging decisions have been made at this time, as the investigation has just begun and we wish to gather all pertinent information before making any decisions of this type," McSorley said. "Our first and foremost priority at this time is the safety of our citizens in the city of Glenwood. It appears this was a singular and contained incident.  All motives surrounding this incident are still being investigated, including any motive involving race."

The six other individuals present during the altercation were Hutchinson's wife Randi, two males - Denver Cook and Kameron Myers, and three juvenile females. The dispute was allegedly between Hutchinson's family and other individuals at the scene.

McSorley urged the community to be patient while the incident is investigated by law enforcement officials. Investigators are monitoring comments made on social media sites in response to Sunday's incident.

"Any threats or vigilante justice will not be tolerated and any such activity will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," McSorley said. "It is important to all of us that this community continues to feel safe, especially during this week of homecoming. All homecoming activities will continue as scheduled at this time."

In a prepared statement released Monday, Glenwood Community School District Superintendent Devin Embray called the incident a "sad and unfortunate event."

"We are in shock and disbelief and we are letting law enforcement handle the situation and guide us through this," Embray said.

Embray sent the following message to parents and school district staff Monday morning, "Over the weekend there was an incident involving Principal Hutchinson and his family. Police were called to the scene. It is currently under investigation by law enforcement. The district has no reason to believe that any staff or students are in any danger at this time. However, we have increased security measures to monitor the situation at this point. If you have any information regarding the situation, please contact the Glenwood Police Department."

The Opinion-Tribune

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