Des Moines police are investigating a shooting that left a 31-year-old man dead early Sunday morning happened early Sunday in the 22300 block of Marine View Dr
Des Moines police are investigating a shooting that left a 31-year-old man dead early Sunday morning.
Officers responded to the 22300 block of Marine View Drive S. at about 1:55 a.m. for a reported shooting, according to the Des Moines Police Department.
When they arrived, officers found a 31-year-old man suffering from gunshot wounds and began providing first aid until medics arrived. Despite lifesaving efforts, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
It's unclear what led up to shots fired, but police confirmed the shooting was not random and said it followed some sort of fight between two people.
Police said the suspect was not located at the scene, and investigators believe the suspect fled the area.
People living just blocks away from Marine View Drive S. were woken up to the sound of several, rapid gunshots. Tara McCauley estimated she heard at least seven to 10 shots fired.
"Within about a minute or so, I heard a lot of screaming and a young woman was screaming pretty terribly," she said. "You could tell something terrible had happened."
In a statement, Des Moines Police Chief Ted Boe said the department does not believe there is any ongoing threat to the public and referred to the shooting as a "senseless act of violence."
"I want to express my condolences to the victim's family," the chief's statement reads. "You have my commitment that Des Moines PD won't stop until the suspect is held accountable."
Detectives are working to identify and locate the person responsible, and the department said the case remains an active investigation with no further details available at this time.
No suspect description was shared as of Sunday. Boe said police were also working with the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office to ensure a suspect, once found, is held accountable.
The police chief also added that he would be increasing police presence in the area of Marine View Drive S. until a suspect is arrested and in custody.
Still, the deadly scene left many nearby residents on edge.
"It didn't used to be that way here," said Clare Elizabeth. "It felt safe, and now, you have to be watching, and I wouldn't be out at 2 a.m."
Marine View Drive S was closed between S 222nd Street and S 223rd Street for several hours while detectives investigated and processed the scene.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Des Moines Police Department at 206-878-3301.
