A hostage situation that unfolded this morning in Des Moines is over. At least two people are dead with a third wounded.
Des Moines police were called to what was thought to be a drive-by shooting incident about 6:30 this morning. The bodies of two women were found, one inside a car that had crashed into a utility pole, the other was in the street. Police say both women were the victims of homicide.
Before police could even reach the bodies, a hostage situation developed in a house nearby. A man had apparently taken his three children at gunpoint inside. Police summoned an interpreter as the man was reportedly Laotian.
After about two hours, a police squad smashed in the front door as flash-grenedes exploded. The officers quickly rushed back out, carrying the children, who appeared unhurt. The man was bought out on a stretcher — still alive.
It’s still unclear if or how the deaths of the two women are related to the gunman.