MacKenzie Elmer

melmer@dmreg.com

Ames police are investigating whether a man shot in the head early Friday morning was struck accidentally, police say.

Ames Police Cmdr. Jason Tuttle said four people were inside a trailer in the 200 block of West Date Court around 6:03 a.m., the time of the shooting. When officers arrived, the 36-year-old male victim was already dead with a gunshot wound to the head, but those who were inside the trailer called it an accident.

Police have not yet ruled whether the incident was indeed an accident. Tuttle said they hope to have autopsy results within 24 hours, and they should reveal much more information.

The story, according to the witnesses, is that someone in the trailer had heard a noise outside and went to a bedroom to get a handgun, Tuttle said. That person walked into the living room to peer through windows at the disturbance outside.

When they walked back to the bedroom, the gun reportedly went off and hit the male.

Tuttle said he could not release the age or gender of the shooter.

There doesn't appear to be any risk to the public at this time, a news release from the department states. The victim's name will not be released until family has been notified, police say.

No charges have been filed at this time but both Ames police and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation are looking into the case.

Anyone with information should call the Ames Police Department at 515-239-5133 or drop an anonymous tip at 515-229-5533. Or contact Crime Stoppers of Central Iowa at 515-223-1400.