David Leroy Kintz Jr. Death News – Authorities have released the identities of the Des Moines police officers and the suspect involved in a fatal officer-involved shooting that took place on February 6.
According to a Des Moines Police Department (DMPD) news release, the incident occurred at approximately 8:40 p.m. in the 1200 block of Maury Street on the southeast side of Des Moines. The DMPD Narcotics Section had been conducting surveillance on a vehicle as part of an ongoing methamphetamine trafficking investigation.
At some point, the suspect parked at a convenience store and exited the vehicle, walking westbound on Maury Street. Two uniformed officers, later identified as Senior Police Officers Neal Shaffer and Titus Deford, approached and detained the suspect. However, during the encounter, the suspect produced a weapon, leading to a confrontation. In response, both officers fired their handguns, striking the suspect.
Emergency medical aid was immediately provided at the scene, and the suspect was transported to a local hospital. Despite life-saving efforts, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after 10:20 a.m. on Friday. The suspect has since been identified as 43-year-old David Leroy Kintz Jr.
Officers Placed on Administrative Assignment
The two officers involved in the shooting, Neal Shaffer and Titus Deford, have been placed on administrative assignment, which is standard protocol for law enforcement personnel involved in a significant critical or traumatic incident.
- Neal Shaffer has served with the Des Moines Police Department since 2018.
- Titus Deford joined the department in 2020.
The DMPD Peer Support Team and other mental health resources have been made available to officers affected by the incident.
Sixth Deadly Police Shooting in Des Moines Since July
This fatal shooting marks the sixth officer-involved shooting in Des Moines since July 2024. According to a Washington Post database, only five other deadly police shootings had been recorded in Des Moines in the past decade prior to this recent surge.
Des Moines Police Sgt. Paul Parizek emphasized that officers encounter armed individuals frequently but try to find alternative solutions whenever possible.
“We have hundreds of encounters with armed people every year,” Parizek said. “And when the opportunity is there for us to find a different solution, that’s what we do. … When it comes to the use of deadly force, that’s not our primary solution. But it’s a reaction to a set of circumstances that we’re presented with and a threat against ourselves or someone else.”
Recent Officer-Involved Shootings in Des Moines
One of the previous deadly police shootings occurred on July 30, 2024:
- July 30, 2024 – Officers responded to a residence on SE 35th Circle after receiving reports of a suspect violating a protective order. Police attempted to stop the suspect, Weston Derby, who was seen driving near the location.
- After a vehicle pursuit, Derby’s car stopped on East Army Post Road, and he attempted to flee on foot. As officers chased him, Derby turned toward them and pulled what they believed to be a handgun.
- Officers Jesse Schneider and Anthony Lampman fired their weapons, fatally shooting Derby. During the incident, Schneider was accidentally struck in the shoulder by a round from Lampman’s firearm.
Ongoing Investigation
The Des Moines Police Department and other investigative agencies will continue reviewing the February 6 shooting, examining body camera footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence to determine the circumstances that led to the use of deadly force.