Three people were injured and a suspected shooter was detained after gunfire broke out inside a United States Postal Service office in Des Moines on Thursday morning, according to police. The shooting happened on the second floor of the postal facility and was first called in around 9:10 a.m.
Police say they located three victims at the scene, according to KCCI, and a Des Moines Police Department spokesperson confirmed that the suspected shooter has since been detained. The outlet reported that all three victims were transported to local hospitals with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening. A separate account from KCAU9 described two victims being located at the post office, while a third transported themselves to a nearby hospital.
Officers Arrived Within Minutes
The shooting response was centered at the USPS office at 1165 Second Ave., according to the Des Moines Register. Sgt. Paul Parizek told the paper that the first officer was on the scene in about three and a half minutes of the initial call.
The gunfire was reported on the second floor. Authorities have not released additional details about how the shooting unfolded inside the building.
Road Closures and Public Safety Warnings
Second Avenue was temporarily closed in both directions while investigators worked the scene, the station's report noted, with KCCI suggesting drivers use E. 14th Street or 6th Avenue as alternate routes. Police separately asked the public to avoid the area around Second and University avenues while the investigation continued, according to the Register.
KCCI said it plans to provide updates as more information becomes available. Details on the identities of those involved, a possible motive, and the suspect's formal charges or court status have not been released by authorities.
