A 43-year-old Des Moines resident found herself in police custody yesterday, following an incident in downtown Bellevue, according to the Bellevue Police Department. The incident in question occurred in the early morning hours of September 24th, when Bellevue Police officers were summoned to respond to a disturbance in the bustling heart of the city.
What initially seemed like a routine call quickly escalated when two groups, which had earlier been involved in a physical altercation, reignited their dispute right outside Earl’s restaurant. Amid the scuffle, a woman reached into her purse and produced a semi-automatic pistol. With no hesitation, she discharged two rounds, sending one upward, shattering an overhead glass awning, and another downward through a grate. Chaos ensued as both groups scattered in different directions.
As investigators combed the scene for evidence, they discovered two spent shell casings and a live round of ammunition. Fortunately, security cameras from Kemper Security captured the entire incident, aiding Bellevue Police detectives in the identification of the alleged shooter.
Yesterday, the Bellevue Police SWAT team executed an operation in Des Moines, successfully taking the suspect into custody without further incident. At the time of her apprehension, she was found in possession of a semi-automatic pistol, and clothing items she wore during the shooting were also recovered.
The woman now faces serious charges, including malicious mischief in the first degree. Additional misdemeanors for unlawful discharge of a firearm and reckless endangerment are pending, according to the Bellevue Police Department.
Bellevue Police Chief Wendell Shirley stated, “Bellevue is not the place to come to engage in this type of behavior.” Chief Shirley reiterated the department’s commitment to holding those who choose violence accountable, emphasizing that such actions have no place in their city.
