Why Man Voluntarily Surrendered Handgun, Assault Rifle

A 23-year-old Des Moines man voluntarily surrendered his handgun and one other weapon authorities are describing as an assault-style rifle after his former girlfriend reportedly feared he might provoke police into shooting him.

The incident started March 8 at an apartment in the 6400 block of Vista Drive and ended at the Kum & Go convenience store, 5969 Ashworth Road, about 1:20 a.m. Police drew their service revolvers when they spotted the man as he appeared to be retrieving something from the trunk of his car, according to a report on file at the West Des Moines Police Department.

The subject was cooperative, Officer Anthony Giampolo wrote in his report, and admitted to carrying a Glock 33 (.357 caliber) handgun and HK .22 assault rifle. He had permits for both weapons, according to the report. When asked what he was doing in the trunk, he said it hadn’t latched properly and he was only trying to secure it.

Earlier, the man had reportedly argued with his former girlfriend over custody issues regarding their child and at one point he said, “I’m going to end it all tonight.”

“He also stated something about I’m going to let them (police) kill me,” Giampolo wrote.

The former girlfriend told police that her ex has never been violent toward her and she didn’t think he would be, but claimed that he had been depressed. He reportedly held one of the guns next to his side, but did not point it at the woman.

Because of the alleged threats of self harm, police summoned the mobile crisis unit. It was determined the man wasn’t a danger to himself, but police still said they wanted to keep the weapons until the situation further neutralized.

The subject reportedly said that he understood and voluntarily turned over the guns and ammunition.