Suspect Caught In “Ambush-Style” Iowa Police Killings

A suspect wanted in a pair of "ambush-style attacks" that left two Des Moines-area police officers dead has been captured in central Iowa.

Des Moines Police Lt. Chris Scott said a manhunt for Scott Greene, 46, of Urbandale, ended when the suspect was arrested in Dallas County Wednesday morning (Nov. 2, 2016), NBC News reported. The hunt for Greene began before dawn.

During a 5 a.m. news conference, Des Moines Police Sgt. Paul Parizek said authorities had identified Greene as the suspect in the shootings through a "series of leads and investigative tips," the Associated Press reported. At the time, Parizek warned that Greene was likely armed and should be considered dangerous.

Des Moines police issued a statement overnight saying that two police officers were gunned down as they sat in their patrol cars about two miles from each other.

In the news release, police said authorities responded to a report of shots fired near Urbandale High School at about 1:06 a.m. and found an Urbandale police officer fatally wounded at the scene. Des Moines police were called to assist with the investigation.

Approximately 20 minutes later, a Des Moines police officer was found shot inside a patrol car about two miles away. The Des Moines officer later died at a local hospital.

According to the Associated Press, investigators have identified the victims as Urbandale police officer Justin Martin and Des Moines Police Sgt. Anthony "Tony" Beminio. Martin joined the Urbandale force last year. Beminio had been a part of the Des Moines force since 2005.

Sources: NBC News, Associated Press