CRIME & SAFETY
Body found in Des Moines River on Wednesday, police investigating
An investigation is underway after a body was found in the Des Moines River on Wednesday morning, police said. The Des Moines Police Department was dispatched to the south bank of the Des Moines River east of Second Avenue at about 9 a.m., said Des Moines Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Paul Parizek. ...
Large police presence at Urbandale home
URBANDALE, Iowa — Multiple law enforcement agencies have surrounded a home in Urbandale. Multiple agencies with armed officers and a SWAT team surrounded a home in the 3700 block of 150th Street at around 7 p.m. Wednesday. Officers used a drone to survey a car idling in the driveway as well as inside the home. […]
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 […]
Vehicular homicide arrest made in deadly March 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 […]
Police identify 16-year-old killed in off-road motorcycle crash Saturday
The Polk County Sheriff's Office has identified the person who died in an off-road motorcycle crash Saturday evening as 16-year-old Zachary Brennecke, of Des Moines. The initial caller who reported the accident, at 6:22 p.m., said two juveniles were riding motorcycles in an area near the 8300 block of Northeast 118th Avenue in northeastern Polk County, and one had been involved in an accident. The accident occurred just north of Northeast 118th Avenue and west of the South Skunk River, the release said.
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.
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.
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...
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 […]
Alleged Marshalltown shooter became upset when victims spoke Spanish, witnesses report
A man who was arrested and charged with murdering two people in rural Marshall County became upset when the two victims began to speak Spanish before the fatal shooting, court documents said. Ilias Julian Lasley, 29, was taken into custody in the 4700 block of Merle Hay Road in Des...
Suspect in girlfriend's killing has history of abuse against victim
A Des Moines man who was arrested Friday for the alleged beating death of his girlfriend has a history of abuse against her, court documents reveal. Derrick A. Earnest, 60, was charged with first-degree murder in the death of 49-year-old Holly Hudson Snowgren, of Pleasant Hill, early Friday morning. He is in custody on a $1 million bond in the city's third homicide of 2024. ...
Suspect in Iowa double-murder arrested
DES MOINES, Iowa (WHO) — A man wanted on two counts of first-degree murder out of Marshall County was arrested in Des Moines over the weekend. Ilias Julian Lasley, 33, was taken into custody without incident Saturday afternoon in the 4700 block of Merle Hay Road, according to the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office. He is […]
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 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.
Reaction to death of Terry Anderson, ISU grad and AP reporter held hostage in Middle East
DES MOINES, Iowa — A courageous correspondent who reported from the world's trouble spots. A supporter of humanitarian causes. A good friend. Those were among the reactions to the death of Terry Anderson, the former chief Middle East correspondent for the Associated Press who was one of America's longest-held hostages. He was abducted in Lebanon on March 16, 1985, and held for almost seven years, until his release Dec. 4, 1991.
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