
The Des Moines Police Department is investigating a shooting incident that occurred on the Drake University campus this afternoon (May 25th).
On 25 May 2024, at approximately 5:39 p.m., Des Moines Police Department police officers working a security & traffic control assignment during the Des Moines Public Schools Roosevelt High School commencement ceremony heard multiple gunshots fired outside of the Knapp Center.
Those officers immediately responded to the area of gunfire, while announcing the incident via radio to the Communications Center and other officers.
At 5:41 p.m., patrol officers detained two persons believed to be involved in the incident. One of these persons was armed with a handgun when detained.
A chaotic scene followed as persons outside the Knapp Center ran inside, and hundreds of persons inside the Knapp Center ran outside. A physical fight involving more than five persons began inside the Knapp Center. Des Moines Police Department police officers deployed pepper spray directed to the persons involved, to end that fight.
Nearly 30 Des Moines Police Department patrol officers and commanders responded to the scene. Within moments of the incident, the scene was secured and no indication of ongoing danger was observed.
There were no injuries as a result of gunfire. One adult female was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries she received after being pushed to the ground by persons in the crowd.
A search of the scene found multiple shell casings and other evidence indicative of gunfire.Â
Further investigation of the scene found a second handgun in a vehicle associated with one of the persons detained by officers.
The Des Moines Police Department Crime Scene Investigation Unit processed the scene for evidence.
Des Moines Police Department detectives are actively investigating this incident. Additional information will be shared as it becomes available for release.
UPDATE: 6:00 a.m., 26 May 2024
Des Moines Police Department detectives have made an arrest in this investigation.
22-year-old Des Moines resident Bradwick Michael Tukes has been charged with the following offenses:
- Going Armed With Intent (Class D Felony)
- Carrying Weapons On School Grounds (Class D Felony)
- Reckless Use Of A Firearm (Simple Misdemeanor)
The second person detained, a 17-year-old male Des Moines resident, was found to not be directly involved in the shooting incident. He was referred to Polk County Juvenile Court for a charge of Disorderly Conduct related to his participation in the physical fight that occurred inside the Knapp Center. He was released to a parent.
Des Moines Police Department detectives continue this investigation. Additional information will be shared as it becomes available for release.
Sgt. Paul Parizek