Man shot and killed in downtown Des Moines early Sunday, suspect at large
Sep 21, 2026, 5:49 AM | Updated: 3:04 pm
A Des Moines Police Department vehicle. (Photo courtesy of the Des Moines Police Department)
(Photo courtesy of the Des Moines Police Department)
Police are looking for a shooting suspect who killed a man in downtown Des Moines early Sunday morning.
Just before 2 a.m., officers arrived at S 223rd and Marine View Drive, on the main drag of the Des Moines business district, and found a 31-year-old man suffering from gunshot wounds.
They tried giving him first aid, and medics arrived soon after to continue life-saving efforts. But he died at the scene.
The suspect left the area before police arrived. So far, they don’t have a description of the person who shot the man.
“This was not a random act but rather a shooting following a dispute between two individuals,” the Des Moines Police Department stated. “Our detectives are working the case, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing all technology at their disposal to identify the suspect.”
While the shooting investigation closed down Marine View Drive for a while, the roadway has now reopened.
Police said the investigation into the shooting will continue, and they are asking for witnesses to come forward.
“All of a sudden, you just hear pop, pop, pop, pop, pop, pop, pop, pop, pop, and we shut doors, lock doors, and let some people in with the look of terror on their faces,” Jonathan Olsen, who works at a nearby bar, told KIRO 7. “I mean, what do you do?”
Anyone who has information about the incident or who was involved should contact the Des Moines Police Department at (206) 878-3301.
This is a developing story, check back for updates
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