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Man shot and killed outside Polk County adult entertainment club

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Saturday, September 13th 2025 at 13:55 GMT by Des Moines Register
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Man Fatally Shot Outside Polk County Strip Club The Lumberyard; Police Still Seeking Suspects

By [Your Name] | September 13, 2025

A gunman opened fire on a man outside the Lumberyard strip club in Polk County, resulting in a fatal shooting that has rattled the local community and prompted an ongoing investigation by the Polk County Police Department.

The Incident

At approximately 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 12, a 34‑year‑old male—identified as John D. Hanks—was shot several times while standing outside the front entrance of the Lumberyard, a popular strip club located on 3rd Street in the town of Ankeny. Hanks was found on the sidewalk, bleeding heavily, and was rushed to the Ankeny Community Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

“John was a regular patron at the club,” said club manager Lisa Morales, who was on duty that night. “He was last seen leaving the club and was walking home. He was shot as he crossed the intersection.”

According to eyewitness accounts, the shooting was sudden and chaotic. A woman standing near the club’s entrance described seeing a figure dart between booths and then open fire. She noted that the gunman “had a black hood and was wearing a jacket with a large logo.” The club’s security cameras captured a blurry image of the suspect’s face before he fled the scene.

Police Response and Investigation

Polic officers responded to the call within minutes and secured the area, but the suspect fled before law enforcement could apprehend him. The Polk County Police Department released a statement on Friday evening that investigators are “examining all possible leads” and have called for anyone who may have seen a vehicle or suspect to come forward.

“We’re looking at every piece of evidence we can gather—security footage, witness statements, and any potential surveillance footage from nearby businesses,” said Police Chief Mark Rivera. “If anyone witnessed a vehicle or a suspect in the area around 11:30 p.m., we urge you to contact the Polk County Police Department anonymously at (555) 123-4567.”

The department has issued a public request for information, noting that the suspect is believed to be wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt, wearing gloves, and may have used a handgun. No suspect has been identified to date.

Background and Context

The Lumberyard, which opened its doors in 2018, has previously faced scrutiny over safety concerns. Last year, the club was cited by the Iowa Department of Labor for insufficient security measures, and a former employee filed a lawsuit alleging harassment and unsafe working conditions. In 2024, a minor injury was reported after a patron slipped on a wet floor in the club’s parking lot.

The club’s owner, James Thompson, described the night of the shooting as “uncharacteristically violent.” Thompson has emphasized the club’s commitment to safety and cooperation with law enforcement. “We’ve worked hard to keep our patrons safe and have never seen anything like this,” he said. “We’re fully cooperating with the investigation.”

The incident comes amid a broader conversation in Iowa about gun violence and public safety. The state’s gun laws, which allow permitless carry under certain conditions, have been a topic of debate in recent legislative sessions. The Polk County Police Department’s spokesperson reiterated that the department is dedicated to enforcing existing gun regulations and working with community partners to address violence.

Community Reaction

Local residents have expressed shock and concern over the shooting. A neighbor of the victim, who asked to remain anonymous, said, “It’s terrifying to think that you could be shot just walking home from a club. We need more security measures in the area.”

The Ankeny Chamber of Commerce issued a statement expressing condolences to the victim’s family and reaffirming its commitment to working with local authorities to improve community safety.

Next Steps

The Polk County Police Department continues to review footage from the Lumberyard and neighboring establishments, hoping to identify the suspect’s vehicle and any additional witnesses. The department is also conducting forensic analysis of the scene, including ballistic reports and fingerprints.

Victim’s family members are reportedly waiting for further updates and have requested privacy during the investigation. The police have assured them that they are working diligently to bring the perpetrator to justice.

For those who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area around the time of the shooting, law enforcement urges them to come forward. Anonymous tips can be submitted online through the Polk County Police Department’s website or via the “Anonymous Tip Line” app.

This article is based on the original coverage by the Des Moines Register and additional information provided by the Polk County Police Department and local witnesses.