A 27-year-old Iowa man faces four counts of attempted murder after allegedly opening fire on vehicles traveling along Interstate 35 in Warren County. A woman was struck in the shoulder, and multiple vehicles appeared to have been hit by gunfire during the incident on October 5, 2026. Authorities say the suspect was arrested after his vehicle became disabled following a collision. Court documents allege that he later told law enforcement, “I had to kill people today.”
| 1) | Gunfire reported on Interstate 35 |
| 2) | Vehicles allegedly targeted during pursuit |
| 3) | Woman wounded and motorists confronted |
| 4) | Suspect arrested after collision |
| 5) | Investigation and criminal charges |
Gunfire reported on Interstate 35
The incident began at about 3:31 p.m. Monday, October 5, when authorities received multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire along the northbound lanes of Interstate 35 in Warren County, Iowa. Deputies from the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, officers from the West Des Moines Police Department and Iowa State Patrol troopers responded near mile marker 56.
Investigators found a wounded woman and several vehicles that appeared to have been struck by bullets. The interstate was closed for several hours while authorities processed the scene and investigated the sequence of events.
Vehicles allegedly targeted during pursuit
According to a criminal complaint and affidavit filed in Warren County District Court, Andrew Darrick Tanaka was driving a black Chevrolet Equinox when a woman in a black BMW passed him on the interstate. The BMW then passed a Subaru Outback, which investigators say Tanaka pursued.
Authorities allege that Tanaka caught up to the Subaru and fired at least two rounds through the driver’s-side window. He then allegedly pursued the BMW and fired another round through its driver’s-side window. The documents do not identify a publicly disclosed motive for the shootings.
Woman wounded and motorists confronted
The driver of the Subaru was struck in her left shoulder. She was transported to a local hospital, where her injuries were described by authorities as not appearing to be life-threatening. The shooting created a serious danger for other motorists traveling through the area, although the available account does not report additional injuries.
The affidavit says Tanaka later rear-ended a gray Nissan Altima carrying two people. When the Nissan’s occupants stopped to check on him, he allegedly exited the Equinox holding a handgun and fired at least one round into the vehicle’s windshield. The occupants were not reported injured in the account of the incident.
Suspect arrested after collision
Tanaka’s vehicle became disabled after the collision, allowing officers to locate him along the interstate. When authorities arrived, he was allegedly standing on the highway shoulder with a handgun.
Officers took Tanaka into custody without further incident. After his arrest, he allegedly made a statement recorded in the court documents.
“I had to kill people today.”
The statement is attributed to Tanaka in the criminal complaint and affidavit. Authorities have not announced a motive for the alleged attacks.
Investigation and criminal charges
Tanaka, of West Des Moines, was booked into the Warren County Jail on four counts of attempted murder. The charges relate to the alleged shootings involving multiple vehicles on Interstate 35.
The Warren County Sheriff’s Office and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation are investigating. The allegations remain claims in court documents, and the case will proceed through the criminal justice system.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | The shootings were reported along northbound Interstate 35 in Warren County on October 5, 2026. |
| 2 | A woman driving a Subaru was wounded in the left shoulder. |
| 3 | A suspect allegedly fired at multiple vehicles and later confronted occupants of a Nissan. |
| 4 | Andrew Darrick Tanaka was arrested and charged with four counts of attempted murder. |
Summary
Authorities allege that a driver fired at several vehicles on Interstate 35 in Iowa, wounded one woman and confronted occupants of another vehicle after a collision. The suspect was arrested at the highway scene and faces four attempted murder charges. Investigators continue to examine the shootings, while no motive has been publicly disclosed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was charged in the case?
Andrew Darrick Tanaka, 27, of West Des Moines, was booked into the Warren County Jail on four counts of attempted murder.
Where did the shootings occur?
The shootings occurred along the northbound lanes of Interstate 35 near mile marker 56 in Warren County, Iowa.
Was anyone injured?
A woman driving a Subaru was shot in the left shoulder and taken to a local hospital. Authorities said her injuries did not appear to be life-threatening.
What is known about the motive?
Authorities have not disclosed a motive for the alleged shootings.
