Des Moines officers are investigating reports of gunfire in the River Bend neighborhood after shots were heard just before 8 p.m. Tuesday, authorities said.
What happened
Police responded to the area around 9th Street and Franklin Avenue on the city’s north side and established a secure perimeter while detectives processed the scene. Investigators recovered multiple shell casings but, as of the latest update, found no evidence of victims or property damage.
- Time: Just before 8 p.m., Tuesday
- Location: 9th Street and Franklin Avenue, River Bend
- Casualties: No reported injuries
- Arrests: None reported
Local context and response
The incident underscores ongoing concerns about public safety in neighborhoods across Des Moines. While there were no injuries reported in this case, recoveries of spent shell casings confirm that shots were fired in a residential area. Neighbors in River Bend can expect a visible police presence while detectives complete their work and follow leads.
What investigators are doing
At the scene, officers focused on evidence collection and canvassing the area for witnesses and surveillance footage. Investigators typically seek nearby video, doorbell camera clips and eyewitness accounts to establish a timeline and identify possible suspects. Police have not announced any persons of interest.
| Detail | Known information |
|---|---|
| Scene secured | Yes — 9th & Franklin |
| Shell casings found | Several |
| Injuries | None reported |
| Arrests | None reported |
Residents with information or video that could help investigators are encouraged to contact the Des Moines Police Department. Incidents like this are often solved in part through tips from neighbors, and local police said they will continue pursuing leads while communicating updates to the community.
For Des Moines neighborhoods already tracking trends in violent incidents, this latest episode is a reminder of the importance of neighborhood watch efforts, timely reporting and preserving potential evidence such as video footage. City officials and police continue to grapple with how best to reduce gun violence while maintaining public trust and transparency.
