Man arrested after gunfire outside D.M. barbershop

Des Moines police arrested a Des Moines man Friday night after he reportedly fired several gunshots into the air outside Platinum Kutz near Drake University.

Police responded to the barbershop shortly after 7 p.m. The suspect, Reginald Fitzgerald Douglas, 45, had gone into the barbershop, located at 2301 University Avenue, by the time police arrived.

Police were able to contact the suspect by calling the barbershop, which was open for business at the time and had people inside, said Des Moines Police Capt. Scott Rounds. An investigation report stated police had individuals exit the barbershop one at a time. Douglas exited last.

The suspect did not shoot his handgun inside the barbershop and was arrested minutes later without further incident, the report stated. No injuries or damages were reported.

The suspect was not affiliated with the barbershop, Rounds said, adding that it was unclear why the man was shooting.

Officers located a Glock 27 .40 Cal firearm in the parking lot after Douglas was taken into custody with three shell casings nearby, the report stated.

Part of University Avenue near the barbershop was closed for less than an hour between 7 and 8 p.m. as police investigated.

Drake University sent out a safety "Bulldog Alert" to its students shortly after 7 p.m. regarding the incident.

Douglas was later transported to Polk County Jail and is being held there on charges of possession of gun as felon, discharging firearms and airguns in the city and possession of marijuana. Douglas is a felon for a robbery conviction in 2000.