David Riches

Anamosa police chief Bob Simonson said Thursday that Division of Criminal Investigation agents, along with autopsy reports, confirmed that Officer David Riches took his own life while on duty Oct. 3.

According to Special Agent Bill Kietzman, Simonson wanted to wait until after Riches’ funeral Saturday to make the announcement.

Riches, 33, an Anamosa police officer and part-time deputy for the Jones County Sheriff’s Office, died in the early morning hours of Oct. 3 at the pedestrian bridge by the entrance to Wapsipinicon State Park in Anamosa. Riches’ patrol car was parked next to the bridge and the chief confirmed he had left the car there and walked out to the middle of the bridge.

A memorial fund has been set up for Riches’ three young children. Donations may be dropped off or mailed to Fidelity Bank, 107 South Garnavillo St., in Anamosa.

Riches is the first Anamosa police officer to die while on duty.