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Des Moines man faces charges after accidental shooting w/a stolen gun

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October 25th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa [WHO-TV] — Police say a man who sought treatment for a gunshot wound at a Des Moines fire station Wednesday afternoon, likely shot himself and charges are pending in the incident.

Officers with the Des Moines Police Department responded to Des Moines Fire Department Station #4 at 917 University Avenue after a 43-year-old man showed up around 3:00 p.m., suffering from a gunshot wound to the arm. DMPD spokesperson Sgt. Paul Parizek said the man told officials he had been shot in a drive-by shooting in the 1200 block of 9th Street.

Officers did find a scene in the roadway and the investigation led officers to a residence in the 1200 block of 10th Street. Sgt. Parizek said a handgun, which was later determined to be stolen out of Indiana, was located outside the residence.

Investigators found evidence that the drive-by shooting the man claimed was the source of his injury did not occur. The gunshot wound to his arm was likely self-inflicted, said Sgt. Parizek.

Police have learned the man who was injured is a felon and is prohibited from possessing a firearm. He remains hospitalized, but charges are pending.

DMPD has not yet released the man’s name.