(Des Moines, IA) — On July 3, 2019, Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) agents and crime scene personnel were requested to investigate a shooting, which involved officers with the West Des Moines Police Department. The shooting, which took place at 1036 Woodland Park Drive in West Des Moines, resulted in the death of 26-year old Jonathan Pingel of West Des Moines.

West Des Moines Police Officer Matthew Wood and Officer Nathan Grove were dispatched to the 1036 Woodland Park Drive on a 911 report of a domestic disturbance. After meeting with the homeowner, Officer Wood and Officer Grove entered the home, where they encountered Mr. Pingel, armed with a hunting-style knife.

Officer Wood and Officer Grove gave Mr. Pingel commands to drop the knife. Mr. Pingel did not comply with the officer’s commands and advanced toward the officers with the knife. Officer Wood and Officer Grove each discharged their firearm; striking Mr. Pingel. Officers and EMS personnel provided Mr. Pingel medical assistance. Mr. Pingel was transported to a Des Moines hospital, where he died.

Body cameras worn by Officer Wood and Officer Grove recorded the encounter. The videos, which are part of the investigation, are not being released at this time.

Per West Des Moines Police Department policy, Officer Wood and Officer Grove were placed on paid administrative leave. The Polk County Medical Examiners Office will conduct an autopsy on Mr. Pingel. Once the investigation is complete, the DCI will provide all findings to the Polk County Attorney’s Office. This process may take weeks. No additional information will be released concerning this investigation.