Scott Michael Greene – photo provided by the City of Des Moines Police Department

Two police officers were shot and killed in the Des Moines area early Wednesday morning. The shootings happened in the 1 a.m. hour and are described as “ambush-style attacks” by the Des Moines Police Department. One officer was from the Des Moines department and the other was from the Urbandale department.

Washington Police Chief Greg Goodman said, “It’s very sad, no matter where it happens, if it happens close to home in Iowa or whether it happens somewhere else. It’s very sad. The police officers are doing the best they can to protect the public, to serve the public.”

Goodman says law enforcement officers need to be careful and remain vigilant, regardless of the size of the jurisdiction they serve, “It’s just important to always be very vigilant about officer safety, and about what you’re doing, and we can’t ever stress that enough.”

He adds the public can help by reporting anything they see as suspicious, not just related to this case but in day to day life. Also, he recommends people lock their cars and homes, to help prevent crime. Goodman says the local community has been great in supporting the local departments and they appreciate it.

UPDATE 8:50 a.m.:
Authorities have identified the suspect in the shooting as 46-year-old Scott Michael Greene of Urbandale. He is described by the City of Des Moines Police Department as 5’11” and 180 pounds with brown hair and green eyes. He was last known to be driving a blue 2011 Ford F-150 with a silver colored topper and ladder rack. The truck has Iowa license plate 780 YFR. Authorities believe Greene is armed and should be considered dangerous. If seen, call 911 and report his location. Do not approach Greene.

UPDATE: 10:15 a.m.:
Authorities have arrested Scott Michael Greene. He was taken into custody in Dallas County, near Redfield, according to Raccoon Valley Radio.

A Washington Police vehicle. KCII News photo