September 20, 2020
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa - At the request of the West Des Moines Police Department, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation has conducted an independent investigation into an officer-involved shooting, which took place in West Des Moines on Friday, September 18, 2020. The finding of this investigation will be forwarded to the Polk County Attorneyβs Office for review and presentation to a grand jury.
Information in this press release is being provided to maintain transparency and to keep the public informed, while balancing the need to protect the integrity of the grand jury process. No additional information will be released on this shooting until the conclusion of a grand jury review.
On Friday, September 18, 2020, at approximately 6:30 p.m., officers from the Clive Police Department and the West Des Moines Police Department arrived at 4300 Woodland Avenue in West Des Moines, for the purpose of arresting 45-year-old Scott Heisler for violation of a No Contact Order. Each officer was outfitted with an operational body camera.
Officers made contact with Heisler at the front door of his home and informed him he was being arrested. Heisler, who was standing in the doorway, said that prior to going with police, he was going to retrieve his phone from inside his home. Heisler walked away from the officers, who followed Heisler up a set a stairs. Inside the home, Heisler grabbed a gun and threatened the officers. The officers' attempts to de-escalate the situation were not successful.
West Des Moines Police Department Sergeant Kraig Kincaid fired one round from his service weapon, striking Heisler. Kincaid is a 16-year-veteran of the department.
All officers on scene attempted lifesaving measures and requested advanced medical assistance. Heisler was transported by ambulance to an area hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Per departmental policy, Sergeant Kincaid has been placed on paid administrative leave.
The DCI received assistance in this investigation from the Des Moines Police Department Crime Scene Unit.
ABOUT THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the largest law enforcement agency in the state. It includes six divisions and several bureaus, all working together with local, state and federal government agencies and the private sector, to keep Iowa a safe place by following our core values: leadership, integrity, professionalism, courtesy, service and protection. Divisions within the Iowa DPS: Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa State Fire Marshal Division, Iowa Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center, and Administrative Services Division. The Department of Public Safety is led by the Commissioner who is appointed by the Governor.
Iowa Department of Public Safety
215 E 7th St
Des Moines IA 50319
https://dps.iowa.gov