Charly Haley

chaley@dmreg.com

A man is suspected of firing a rifle outside a Beaverdale bar after arguing with his girlfriend early Sunday, police said Tuesday.

Oscar Marco Gipson, 39, should be considered armed and dangerous; he has a history of weapons charges and assault on police officers, said Sgt. Ryan Doty, Des Moines police spokesman, in a news release.

Gipson is suspected of shooting numerous rounds at about 12:42 a.m. in a parking lot at Beaver and Urbandale avenues.

The gunfire struck Saints Pub and Patio, with at least three rifle rounds entering the business and damaging property inside, Doty said.

Gipson, armed with what was possibly an AK-47, reportedly fired gunshots across Urbandale Avenue as he was shooting from the parking lot south of Saints Pub and Patio, Doty said.

Multiple vehicles in the parking lot were also damaged, he said. Several businesses were open with people inside at the time of the shooting, but no injuries were reported.

The police investigation revealed Gipson was arguing with a girlfriend in a neighboring bar when the woman left and went to Saints Pub and Patio, Doty said. It's believed the bar was targeted because of Gipson's dispute with his girlfriend.

Police have requested arrest warrants for Gipson on the following charges: going armed with intent, intimidation with a dangerous weapon, felon in possession of a firearm and five counts of second-degree criminal mischief.

Gipson's criminal history includes numerous charges of interference with official acts between 1997 and last year, among other crimes, according to Iowa court records online.

The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges are possible, Doty said.

Police ask anyone with information on Gipson's whereabouts to contact Des Moines police at 515-283-4811 or Crime Stoppers of Central Iowa at 515-223-1400 or www.crimestoppersofcentraliowa.com