An Iowa man opened fire on passing cars on Interstate 35, wounding a woman and confessing to police that he “had to kill people today.” He was arrested after a high‑speed chase ended with his vehicle disabled.
Arrest and Confession
Andrew Darrick Tanaka, 27, of West Des Moines, faces four counts of attempted murder after allegedly shooting at multiple vehicles on Monday afternoon.
He told officers, “I had to kill people today,” according to a criminal complaint filed Tuesday in Warren County District Court.
Incident Details
Authorities received multiple 911 calls at 3:31 p.m. reporting gunfire on northbound lanes. The calls described rapid gunfire that startled drivers and prompted an immediate police response.
Tanaka, driving a black Chevrolet Equinox, pursued a Subaru Outback, firing at least two rounds through the driver’s side window and striking the woman in her left shoulder. The shot hit the woman while she was seated, causing a visible wound.
He then opened fire on a black BMW, hitting its driver before rear‑ending a gray Nissan Altima that carried two occupants. The impact stopped the Nissan, forcing its occupants to exit the vehicle.
Police Response
Deputies from Warren County, West Des Moines police and Iowa State Patrol converged near mile marker 56. They arrived on scene within minutes of the initial reports.
Officers located the wounded woman, who was taken to a local hospital with non‑life‑threatening injuries. She was treated on site before being transported for further care.
Tanaka’s vehicle disabled after the collision, allowing police to apprehend him on the highway shoulder without further incident. He surrendered after officers ordered him to drop his weapon.
Investigation and Charges
The Warren County Sheriff’s Office and Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation are pursuing the case. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses.
Tanaka was booked into the Warren County Jail on four counts of attempted murder. He remains held without bail pending a preliminary hearing.
Authorities have not disclosed a motive for the shootings. The investigation continues to determine whether the attacks were random or targeted.
