Stuart Police Press Release:
Considering the recent tragic events in Stuart, there has been significant public interest in a previous harassment case involving Austin Reed and Toni Salazar, the woman Reed is now accused of shooting and killing. Conflicting and inaccurate information regarding the prior case has been circulated on social media and in media reports. In the interest of transparency and clarity, we want to provide accurate information regarding that case and the actions taken by our department at the time. We also ask that Toni’s family and friends be afforded privacy and respect as they grieve.
On July 9, 2026, the Stuart Police Department responded to and investigated a verbal harassment complaint involving Reed and Salazar in the 200 block of SW 6th Street.
During the investigation, a Stuart Police officer spoke with those involved, obtained written sworn statements from multiple witnesses, and interviewed Reed regarding the allegations. Based upon the information obtained, probable cause was established to charge Reed with Harassment in the Third Degree, a simple misdemeanor. Reed was issued a summons requiring him to appear in court, and the victims declined a no-contact order at that time.
Reed later appeared in court as required and entered a plea of not guilty. The harassment charge remained pending at the time of this week’s incident.
We are aware of recent reports alleging that additional harassment may have occurred. However, the July 9th incident was the first and only harassment involving Reed and Salazar reported to our department.
We understand that tragedies like this leave people searching for answers and asking whether something could have been done differently. 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. 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 affected.
As with all criminal cases, Austin Reed is presumed innocent of the charges against him unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
