After a morning-long manhunt on Wednesday, a suspect was captured for the “ambush-style” killing of two Iowa officers. According to Sgt. Paul Parizek, a spokesman for Des Moines police, Scott Michael Greene, 46, surrendered in nearby Dallas County. Police described the suspect as armed and dangerous.
Greene is suspected of killing two officers who were sitting in their squad cars during the early morning hours. He was captured just before 9 a.m. while walking down a rural road. Authorities say Greene stopped and asked someone working on a tractor to call 911.
Upon responding, Parizek said Greene identified himself, saying he had “an existing medical condition that was flaring up.” Shortly after, Greene was taken to the hospital for medical attention and remained in police custody.
Police said they believe Greene acted alone and are investigating whether the shooting is related to a confrontation involving police at a school last month. One of the slain officers was identified as Anthony Beminio, a sergeant with Des Moines Police Department since 2005. The other officer was Justin Martin of Urbandale Police Department since 2015. Martin was shot next to Urbandale High School.
A YouTube video uploaded last month by an account with Greene’s name was titled “Police Abuse, Civil Rights Violation at Urbandale High School.” In the video, a man identified as Greene is heard telling police he was assaulted and nearly mugged while peacefully protesting. An officer later told Greene the Confederate flag he was holding was in violation of the school’s code.
Parizek acknowledged the incident at the school last month but said they would not discuss it “until we understand if it’s valuable to the investigation.” He added that neither officer appeared to have a chance to interact with Greene. The officers were seated in the cars and were shot while they were sitting, Parizek said.
Attorney General Loretta Lynch said that the Justice Department will be available to assist with the investigation. She also said in her statement:
“I know that while we do not yet know what led the perpetrator to commit these awful crimes, many will be nevertheless be tempted to read a message or motive into this assault, but let me be clear: there is no message in murder. Violence creates nothing; it only destroys.”
