A manhunt is on in Des Moines, where one person was shot dead early Sunday morning.
It happened right in the city’s downtown, near Marine View Drive and South 223rd Street, just before 2 in the morning as local bars and restaurants were closing.
“Everybody dispersed from all of the bars, and then all of a sudden chaos,” said Jonathan Olsen, who works at one of those bars.
“All of a sudden you just hear ‘pop, pop, pop, pop. And we shut doors, locked doors, and let some people in that were like- with the look of terror on their faces, I mean, what do you do.”
Des Moines police say officers, who were called to the scene, found a 31-year-old man who had been shot. Despite lifesaving efforts by police and medics, he died.
Black Hester believes he knew the victim.
“Yah, he’s a good man. Real good man,” he told KIRO 7. After hearing about the death, Hester said, “I’m tripping. I’m just like- WOW- I can’t believe it. He’s a good guy, you know. It seems like the good guys always get taken.”
A medical examiner will confirm the victim’s identity and exact cause of death.
Investigators say the shooting appears to have happened during an argument and that the killer quickly left. Officers worked hours on Sunday, collecting evidence they hope will lead to that gunman.
In a statement, Des Moines Police Chief Ted Boe said: “I want to express my condolences to the victim’s family. You have my commitment that Des Moines PD won’t stop until the suspect is held accountable. To my community, I know events like this cause fear, and rightfully so.
We do not believe there is an ongoing threat to our residents at this time. We will have an increased presence in downtown for the next several nights until the suspect is in custody.”
Anyone with information is encouraged to call us at 206-878-3301.