Shooting Incident Reported in Des Moines 2024-09-18

Des Moines police officers are on the scene of a reported shooting Wednesday afternoon on the city's east side. One victim called 911 and said they had been shot by a suspect who had fled from the area of E. University Avenue and E. 28th Street. Investigators say the scene is secure. Expect an increased police presence in the area.

cybercrime

Iowa Task Force Sees Rise in Cyber Crimes Against Children 2024-09-18

Tips for cyber crimes against children are on the rise in Iowa. The head of the Iowa chapter of Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Special Agent Nathaniel McLaren says the task force has seen a steady increase of tips year by year, with over 4,000 tips so far in 2024 and more than three months remaining until the end of the year. The ICAC Task Force team has also seen a lot of sextortion cases, where children fall victim to a predator eliciting nude photographs or video then requesting payment from the child in exchange for not publicly releasing their photos. McLaren advises parents to communicate with their children and get them the help they need if they become victims of such crimes.

security

Suspicious Parcels Sent to Election Officials Across the Country 2024-09-18

A suspicious parcel discovered at the Iowa Secretary of State's Office on Monday was one of dozens of targeted mailings sent to election officials across the country this week. The parcels, deemed nonhazardous by officials, were delivered to elections officials in more than 15 states. The FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service are investigating the incidents. Several of the suspicious parcels delivered to officials in states like Kansas also prompted evacuations. U.S. elections officials have faced frequent threats since the 2020 election, prompting the U.S. Justice Department to form an Election Threats Task Force to address the sharp increase in threats and harassment.