City of West Des Moines, IA

02/03/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/03/2026 09:02

West Des Moines Police Search for Armed Suspect


For Further Information Contact
[email protected]

Police were called to 1124 Vine Street at 11:54 PM on February 2, 2026. The initial caller reported a man armed with a gun. As police arrived, the suspect fired his weapon. An officer found the offender, confronted him and fired back. The offender ran from the area on foot. West Des Moines police, along with officers from several neighboring agencies, searched the area but have not yet found the suspect. The officer was not injured.

Police have recovered a spent shell casing near the scene. The suspect is described as a white male, dressed in black.

Police will continue to have a strong presence in the area as their investigation continues. In an abundance of caution, a uniformed police officer will be assigned to Hillside Elementary, Stillwell Junior High School, Walnut Creek Alternative High School, and Sacred Heart Elementary. Anyone with information relating to this search is asked to call 911.

Agencies assisting in the area search included Des Moines PD, Polk County Sheriff's Office, Clive PD, and Windsor Heights PD.

Sergeant Dan Wade

Public Information Officer

West Des Moines Police Department

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City of West Des Moines, IA published this content on February 03, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on February 03, 2026 at 15:02 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]