DES MOINES, Iowa — The Des Moines Police Department has released more information about an officer-involved shooting that left the suspect dead Tuesday morning.

At around 6:07 a.m. officers with the DMPD responded to 430 Grand Avenue on a report of a male pointing a gun at a woman. According to DMPD, when officers arrived on scene they witnessed the suspect holding a pistol and one other person in the lobby of the building.

Police said the suspect, who has been identified as a 70-year-old male and resident of the building, pointed the pistol in the direction of the officers. As a result, the officers fired their weapons, fatally wounding the male, police said.

Two officers fired duty issued firearms in the shooting, police said. Those officers have been identified as a 25-year-old who has been with the department since 2022 and has four years of experience in law enforcement and a 24-year-old who has also been with the department since 2022. Both officers have been put on administrative assignment.

The police department said the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation has been requested to perform an independent investigation, as per department policy.

Police Chief Michael McTaggart released the following statement about the shooting:

While it is the ultimate objective of the Des Moines Police Department to de-escalate tense situations, our officers, when faced with a threat against themselves or another person, are often forced to make split-second decisions during circumstances that are unpredictable and rapidly evolving. The tragic officer involved shooting this morning has an incredible impact on many people, their families, and the community, and we offer our support to all.

It is important to us to notify the public swiftly during critical incidents, while balancing your need to know what occurred, and protecting the integrity of the investigation and due process for all involved. This investigation will progress and more information will be learned, and a better understanding of the circumstances will come. It is important to us, and our commitment to transparency, that the facts we learn be brought to you as they become available to share.

Chief Michael McTaggart

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