DES MOINES, Iowa- Des Moines Police say one of their officers shot a man near a homeless camp today (Friday).
Des Moines Police Sergeant Paul Parezik says police were called to a homeless camp near the 2300 block of Terrace Road just after Noon, because of neighbors' complaints about disruptive behavior.
Police say officers encountered 10-persons at the camp, and arrested two with outstanding arrest warrants.
A third person, a 26-year-old male, gave officers a false name, and jumped into Raccoon River, when police realized his true identity.
Police say two officers followed along the river bank, the suspect got out of the river and began to run back to the camp. Police say the suspect first armed himself with a shovel, dropped it, and then got a large machete-style knife. Police says when he refused to comply with the officer's commands, one officer fired their handgun, striking the suspect in the torso.
Medics responded to the scene. The man has undergone surgery at a Des Moines hospital, and is expected to survive.
The incident happened south of the governor's mansion, Terrace Hill, west of Fleur Drive and south of Grand Avenue.
The officer will be placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of the investigation.
(Photo above WHO-TV Channel 13)