Glenwood House Fire and Triple Shooting Leaves Two Deceased, One Injured as Police Begin Investigation
GLENWOOD, IOWA — A community was left shaken Wednesday evening after a tragic and violent episode unfolded on North Grove Street, leaving two people dead, another critically injured, and a residence consumed by flames. Emergency personnel and investigators continue to comb through evidence in what officials describe as an isolated and targeted event.
The incident occurred around 7:56 p.m., when Glenwood Police officers and deputies from the Mills County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the 400 block of North Grove Street following multiple reports of gunfire and a structure fire. Upon arrival, first responders discovered multiple victims with serious injuries and a home fully engulfed in flames.
Authorities confirmed that two victims were pronounced dead at the scene. A third individual was transported in critical condition to a local medical facility. Their identities have not yet been publicly released, pending notification of family members. The immediate area was secured by law enforcement to protect nearby residents and to allow emergency services to control the blaze.
The suspect in the case has been identified as Dennis Burrell. Police believe he is responsible for the shootings and for deliberately setting fire to the residence afterward. He was taken into custody without further incident and is currently being held as the investigation continues.
During a late-night briefing, Glenwood Police Chief Eric Johansen stated the event appeared to be isolated. “There is no further danger to the community at this time,” he assured, while acknowledging the disturbing nature of what occurred. He thanked nearby law enforcement agencies for their swift collaboration and added that a full forensic assessment was underway.
Local witnesses told reporters they heard multiple gunshots followed by what sounded like an explosion before flames erupted from the house. Several neighbors described seeing thick smoke and fire crews rushing to contain the blaze while police secured the perimeter. The structure sustained severe damage and is currently being examined by investigators from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
Officers from the Iowa State Patrol and Mills County Sheriff’s Office assisted at the scene, which was just blocks away from a community event taking place in downtown Glenwood. Law enforcement units already present in the area responded quickly, helping prevent further risk to the public.
In the aftermath of the incident, road closures were put in place along Elm Street and North Myrtle Street between 4th and 5th Streets to support the investigation and fire recovery efforts. Those closures are expected to be lifted by Thursday morning, although a visible police presence is likely to remain.
Authorities are urging anyone with information, video footage, or eyewitness accounts related to the shooting or fire to contact Glenwood Police or the Iowa DCI tip line. Community members have already begun to leave flowers near the scene in remembrance of the victims.
The incident has deeply affected residents across Glenwood, a town not commonly associated with violent events of this nature. Officials say more details will be shared as the investigation progresses and ask the public to be patient and cooperative during this time of grieving and recovery.
Leave a Reply