STUART – Additional information in a prior harassment case involving the people involved in the recent shooting death during an incident this week.

Police say that, because of “significant public interest” and to address what they say has been conflicting and inaccurate information regarding the harassment case circulating on social media and in media reports, officials agreed to provide accurate information regarding the case and actions taken by the department at the time.

Austin Nichols Reed was charged at the time with third-degree harassment, a simple misdemeanor, in the July 9 incident that involved Toni Salazar.

A month later, Reed, 46, was charged in the Tuesday, Aug. 18, shooting death of Salazar, and the shooting of Iowa State Patrol Trooper Chase Carruthers, following an incident in the 200 block of Southwest Sixth Street. Carruthers is continuing to recover from injuries.

According to Stuart Police:

Officers responded July 9 to a verbal harassment complaint involving Reed and Salazar in the 200 block of Southwest Sixth Street.

During the investigation, a Stuart police officer spoke with those involved, obtained written sworn statements from multiple witnesses and interviewed Reed about the allegations.

Police said the information gathered during the investigation established probable cause to charge Reed with third-degree harassment, a simple misdemeanor. Reed was issued a summons requiring him to appear in court. The victims declined a no-contact order at the time, according to police.

Reed later appeared in court as required and entered a plea of not guilty. The harassment charge remained pending when this week’s incident occurred.

Officers said they were aware of recent reports alleging additional harassment incidents, but the July 9 incident was the first and only harassment involving Reed and Salazar reported to Stuart Police.

“We understand that tragedies like this leave people searching for answers and asking whether something could have been done differently,” the statement from Stuart Police said. “Those questions are understandable and important, and it is equally important that those conversations be based on accurate information.

“What occurred this week was a terrible tragedy for our community,” the statement continued. “Toni Salazar and Iowa State Patrol Trooper Chase Carruthers are both members of this community. Our thoughts remain with Toni’s family and friends, Trooper Carruthers and his family and everyone afffected.”

Reed is charged with murder in the first degree, a Class A Felony and attempted murder of a police officer, a Class B Felony.