Police in Iowa’s capital city shot and wounded a suspected bank robber this afternoon. Officers were sent to the Tradesmen Community Credit Union at 1400 2nd Ave shortly after noon. A credit union employee triggered a silent alarm as a man handed a teller a note indicating he had a gun and wanted cash.
As officers responded, they learned the suspect carjacked a white van. Des Moines Police spokesperson Sergeant Chris Scott says officers chased the van to an area east of the statehouse. “That chase ended with a squad car being struck by the white van and shots being fired by law enforcement,” Scott said.
“The suspect was struck, but at this time, I’m not sure how many times and I’m not sure how many officers were involved in the shooting.” The suspect, who was not identified, was taken to a hospital and reported in critical but stable condition.
“These officers certainly felt their lives were in danger, for whatever behavior they observed, and shot,” Scott said. No police officers, other motorists or credit union employees were injured.