Two Officers Killed in Ambush-Style Attack in Iowa

Associated Press
Updated
The Des Moines Police Department said suspect information is being developed

(DES MOINES, Iowa) — Police in Des Moines, Iowa, say two officers have been shot and killed in ambush-style attacks while they were sitting in their patrol cars.

The Des Moines Police Department said in a news release that the shootings took place early Wednesday about two miles apart. Officers responded to a report of shots fired at about 1:06 a.m. and found an Urbandale Police Department officer who had been shot. Des Moines officers responded to assist. About 20 minutes later, a Des Moines officer was found shot. Both officers have died.

Des Moines Police Sgt. Paul Parizek said Wednesday that authorities are developing suspect information but there was nothing that authorities were ready to share with the public.

Parizek was emotional during a news conference. He says there is “clearly danger” right now for police officers in the area because the officers were gunned down while sitting in their cars doing nothing wrong. He says the department has doubled up its officers to better protect them.