Postal Worker Captured After Shooting at Des Moines Post Office

A postal employee was detained within minutes of a shooting that left three coworkers injured at the main post office in Des Moines.

Jennifer Christine Pledger, 39, of West Des Moines, shot two female employees inside the building on Thursday. Police said she stood over one victim and fired again before running outside. She continued to fire as she fled the structure.

A male employee was hurt when he fell while trying to escape the scene. Police said none of the three injuries were considered life-threatening. The victims are two women, aged 45 and 53, and a man, 55. All three are in stable condition at a hospital.

Des Moines police Sgt. Paul Parizek said the victims are receiving care. Pledger faces two counts of attempted murder, two counts of willful injury causing serious injury, and one count of intimidation. Police have not yet identified an attorney speaking for her.

The incident occurred on the second floor of the post office, an area not open to the public. Witnesses reported hearing between 10 and 12 gunshots. The facility is located just north of downtown Des Moines, across the street from a major city hospital.

Police began receiving calls about the shooting at approximately 9:10 a.m. Officers arrived at the scene within three minutes. They found Pledger near a bike path nearby. She did not resist when officers detained her at 9:21 a.m. A 9 mm handgun was recovered from the area where she was held.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is investigating the shooting in coordination with local, state, and federal law enforcement. Gov. Kim Reynolds said she is in contact with the Department of Public Safety. She posted online that she is monitoring the situation and is grateful for the quick response by officers.

Des Moines Public Schools temporarily locked down a nearby elementary school, welcome center, and nutrition center. The restrictions were lifted after police confirmed the suspect was in custody.