The State Medical Examiner has completed an autopsy of a Perry man who was fatally wounded last week and has ruled the death a suicide.
On Thursday, Aug. 16, officers responded to a civilian report that Mark Allen Holcomb, 52, was considering self-harm. Three members of the Perry police force -- Officers Pat Jans, Jerome Hill and Josh Sparks -- were joined by Dallas County Sheriff's Deputy Tom Peterson at Holcomb Body Shop in Perry. Holcomb was believed to be on the premises.
According to witnesses on the scene, Holcomb drew a weapon and shot himself. It was also reported Officer Jans fired a shot. Jans was subsequently placed on leave, pending further investigation.
The medical examiner was scheduled to complete the autopsy on Friday and today Iowa's Division of Criminal Investigation released a report stating the autopsy revealed "Holcomb died of a gunshot wound to the head." The death was classified as a suicide. The bullet fired by Jans grazed Holcomb, but did not contribute to his death.
Jans remains on paid administrative leave while the investigation continues.
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