DES MOINES, IA — Authorities in Polk County say a 23-year-old woman was arrested after a Sunday night shooting in Des Moines left an adult man with a gunshot wound to the leg. Deputies identified the suspect as Jaida Martinez and said she was taken into custody without incident.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said the shooting happened in the 6600 block of NW 26th Street around 7:30 p.m. A criminal complaint says the man was in a vehicle with Martinez during an argument when she showed him a firearm and told him to get out.
What deputies say happened
According to the complaint, the man got out of the car and then reached back into it. Deputies say that is when Martinez fired the gun and struck him in the leg.
The victim was taken to the hospital for treatment after telling authorities the woman’s name and where she could be found. The sheriff’s office said the man’s injuries were limited to the leg wound.
Charges filed in the case
Martinez was charged with willful injury, persons ineligible to carry firearms and possession of a controlled substance. Court records also show a no-contact order is in place between Martinez and the victim.
Authorities said Martinez admitted to the shooting and told investigators she had been drinking alcohol and using THC. Deputies also said they found an electronic THC vape pen connected to the case.
Investigation remains open
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation is still underway, but there is no danger to the public. Martinez has been released on pretrial release while the case moves through court.
Officials have not said anything further about what led up to the argument before the shooting. No additional injuries were reported.
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