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Des Moines Police investigate shooting death of 32-year-old

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August 12th, 2018 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Des Moines Police say a shooting in the capital city late Saturday night was an act of self defense. Officers responded at around 11:30-p.m. to the 200 block of east Park Avenue for a reported shooting. When officers arrived, they found 32-year-old Joshua Wheeler, of Des Moines, suffering from a gunshot wound. There were also two children in the home. Wheeler later died at a hospital.

Police say a 25-year old woman and her 27-year old male friend were in the home. They discovered what was believed to be intentional damage to the man’s tire. Wheeler, who was prohibited from having contact with the woman under a court order, arrived at the home and forced his way in. Once inside, he allegedly begin to physically assault the male resident.

The assault stopped briefly and then began again. That’s when the man, who legally possessed a handgun, fired one shot at Wheeler, causing fatal injuries. The Polk County Attorney’s Office determined the shooting was lawful self-defense, and no charges will be filed.