CRIME & SAFETY
Urbandale police standoff ends in suicide
URBANDALE, Iowa – A police standoff lasted hours before coming to an end Wednesday night when Urbandale police say the suspect took his own life. The standoff started around 6:30 p.m. with a report of a domestic dispute at a home on 150th Street in Urbandale. “Upon attempting to make contact with the other party, […]
Ankeny Police Department Trying to Identify Theft Suspects
(Ankeny, IA) -- The Ankeny Police Department is looking for the public's help identifying three suspects suspected to have been part of a theft at a local retailer. Police say about $1,700 dollars was taken during the theft. Any one who can help identify these individuals or provide any information is asked to contact Officer Schmeiser at lschmeiser@ankenyiowa.gov and reference case 24-004579. The suspects were reportedly seen driving a grey 4-door sedan.
DMPD reveals results of ‘Operation 4/20’ special traffic enforcement project
DES MOINES, Iowa — The results of a traffic safety effort in Des Moines over the weekend, focusing on catching impaired drivers, have been released. Multiple law enforcement agencies participated in “Operation 4/20” on Saturday, April 20. The day, 4/20, is an unofficial holiday for users of marijuana. Iowa law prohibits the recreational use of […]
Ankeny man arrested for child endangerment after 1-year-old found with cocaine
ANKENY, Iowa — An Ankeny man is facing charges after a 1-year-old boy tested positive for cocaine. Investigators say the boy's mother noticed a bag with a white substance in his mouth and confronted Jivonte Johnson, who is accused of bringing the cocaine to the residence. Court documents say...
Arrest made in deadly Des Moines motorcycle crash
DES MOINES, Iowa — An arrest has been made in a deadly motorcycle accident that happened last month on Des Moines’ east side. Kristofer Zech, 35, has been charged with homicide by vehicle-OWI in the March 30th crash that claimed the life of Spencer Rush, 22. Zech was booked into the Polk County Jail on […]
Crews respond to house fire in Des Moines
DES MOINES, Iowa — Des Moines fire crews responded to a residential fire Wednesday morning. Crews responded around 8 a.m. Wednesday to the fire in the 1200 block of 19th Street. Traffic on 19th Street near University Avenue was temporarily impacted as crews worked and northbound traffic was blocked.
Work Release Escape of Anthony Smith
(Des Moines) The Iowa Department of Public Safety is seeking information about Anthony Herbert Smith’s whereabouts. Smith failed to report back to the Fort Des Moines Men’s Reentry Center as required on Tuesday. Smith is convicted of Robbery-2nd Degree, Theft-1st Degree, and Unauthorized Use of Credit Cards in...
Des Moines starts a new downtown police squad
Des Moines Police Department assigned a special summer squad to provide extra daily downtown patrol which started April 15, Sgt. Paul Parizek tells Axios.Why it matters: Incidents like drag racing, bar fights and shootings are more common in warmer months when entertainment districts are busiest.Driving the news: The new squad has six officers and a sergeant, Parizek says.It is made up of existing patrol officers who will remain on the special assignment through September.The squad is in addition to the regular downtown police beats and security provided from groups like Operation Downtown.Zoom in: The initial focus is on common violations...
Drug crimes help partially fund a new drone for Iowa police
CARLISLE, Iowa — The Carlisle Police Department now has some new gear that’s helping elevate its efforts to the sky, and it was partially funded by criminals. The department used money through drug forfeiture, which allows police to obtain and eventually use assets from criminals violating the law. Carlisle Police say this new drone will […]
Des Moines man pleads guilty to identity theft in Mason City
MASON CITY, Iowa – A Des Moines man is accused of using a fake ID to buy an SUV in Mason City. Randall Nathan Finley, 45, is charged with identity theft over $10,000. Investigators say Finley used an Iowa driver’s license with his photo and someone else’s information to apply for credit and buy a 2024 Honda CRV from Hosmer Honda. Court documents state the purchase happened in early December and the CRV was valued at $42,090.
This Is Iowa: Broken crayons find new purpose, helping victims of violent crimes
DALLAS COUNTY, Iowa — Something beautiful can come from things if they are given a second chance, which is why a Waukee woman made a unique request on social media, asking for broken crayons. The response was overwhelming, Katie Kenny said. "It's just been insane. We have bags and...
Ex-Simpson professor Gowun Park gets 10 years in husband's bizarre strangulation death
A former Simpson College professor will spend up to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter and kidnapping in the 2020 death of her husband, who police say was strangled while gagged and tied to a chair. Gowun Park appeared before Judge Brad McCall on Thursday to enter...
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