Steven J. Underwood, a 6-year veteran of the Des Moines Police Department, was shot and killed in the line of duty in the early morning of March 7, 2001. As he was cruising by a local motel, in a particularly dangerous section of the Pacific Highway South in Des Moines, he had stopped to talk to pedestrians, one of which he had recognized as having a previous criminal record. He had called for back up and two minutes later was found lying on the ground. He had been shot in the head. An hour later, he died at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

Underwood is the first Des Moines police officer to be killed in the line of duty. He will be missed by his wife and 2-year-old son. He has been described as "a very committed officer," one of the department's best, and a family man who was very proud of his son. A large outpouring of support by the community has been seen during this difficult time.

A man has been arrested on suspicion of the murder. He is the man Underwood had recognized for his criminal record. If anyone has information regarding the death of Steven J. Underwood, please call the Kent police detective tip line at 253-856-5688. A reward for $5,000 is being offered by the Citizens Committee For the Right to Keep and Bear Arms for information that ends in the arrest of Underwood's killer.

A memorial fund for Steven's family has been set up at all Bank of America branches.

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