Van Meter
CRIME & SAFETY
Dallas Center man allegedly fights neighbors on July Fourth
A Dallas Center man was arrested early Friday after allegedly assaulting and harassing the folks next door. Christopher Daniel Sorensen Jr., 34, of 521 Sycamore St., Dallas Center, was arrested for third-degree harassment and assault-place in fear of contact. The incident began about 1:30 a.m. Friday in the 500 block...
Norwalk woman pleads guilty in murder of her newborn, left to die in trash bag
A Norwalk woman accused of helping her father place her neglected newborn baby in a trash bag, where he was left to die in a roadside ditch, has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. Norwalk police arrested Megan K. Staude, 26, and father, Rodney A. Staude, 66, in March 2023 and...
Dallas County Sheriff’s Report July 5
To view a log of the calls for service, click here. Wyatt Orr, 35, of 23007 230th St., Dallas Center, was arrested for second-degree robbery, two counts of second-degree theft and assault on persons in certain occupations. Carroll Snyder of Adel was traveling in the 28000 block of I Avenue...
Wisconsin fugitive wanted for 30 years arrested in West Des Moines
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — A fugitive wanted for three decades out of Wisconsin was captured in West Des Moines last week. West Des Moines Police arrested George Hartleroad on June 26. He was homeless and living near the Valley Junction area. Court records show officers stopped him for having no rear reflector on his bicycle.
Des Moines PD Activate Special Fireworks Response Unit
(Des Moines, IA) -- The Des Moines Police Department is putting a half dozen officers on fireworks duty this Independence Day holiday. Police Spokesperson Sergeant Paul Parezik says the officers will focus on parks, which have sustained thousands of dollars in fireworks damage over the past few years. Each year...
Des Moines fireworks-related complaints increased from 2023, police say
DES MOINES, Iowa — Police in Des Moines responded to just over 10% more fireworks-related complaints over the first few days of July in 2024 than the same period last year. Sgt. Paul Parizek the Public Information Officer for the Des Moines Police Department said officers responded to 721 fireworks-related complaints between 6 p.m. on […]
Police investigating two robberies at Des Moines gas station
DES MOINES, Iowa — The Des Moines Police Department is investigating two separate robberies at the Git N Go on Keosauqua Way. Both were reported in the last week. The first incident happened on Saturday, June 29. According to investigators, a worker reported a suspect armed with a knife and a handgun. Police say one person ran from officers and was detained, but they were not charged in the robbery.
Iowa horse jockey facing animal neglect charges
DES MOINES, Iowa — "I'm a horse lover through and through. It's all I do," said Ramsey Zimmerman, who is charged with livestock neglect. That's why he calls the charge against him "a preposterous claim." According to a criminal complaint, his horse, Bruce, was severely underweight and not properly...
KCCI Investigates: Waukee mom says to advocate for your children in swim lessons as swim schools grow in central Iowa
DES MOINES, Iowa — For the first time in decades, the Center for Disease Control reports drowning deaths are increasing across the country: 500 more per year 2020 through 2022. Drowning is preventable, water safety experts said, but remains the No. 1 cause of death in kids ages 1...
Dallas Center man commandeers two vehicles Wednesday
A Dallas Center man was arrested Wednesday after allegedly commandeering a passing vehicle and forcing the female driver to drive him away. Wyatt Martin Orr, 35, of 23007 230th St., Dallas Center, was charged with second-degree robbery, two counts of second-degree theft and assault on persons in certain occupations. The...
Stay safe from scorching surfaces at splash pads this summer
GRIMES, Iowa — A woman posted a photo on Facebook over the weekend of her granddaughter’s feet after they were burned from walking on the ground near the new splash pad in Grimes. The post warned others of the danger and said the 18-month-old had to be taken...
Homeless man charged in assault, stabbing near Des Moines park
DES MOINES, Iowa — Des Moines police arrested a homeless man Thursday, a week after they say he was involved in an assault and stabbing that left one person hospitalized. Robert McCalley and two other suspects approached two men sitting in a vehicle at University Avenue and Keo Way — across from Good Park — on June 27, according to court records.
Spirit Lake man arrested after hiding, asking cops to shoot him
A Spirit Lake man was arrested Monday after trying to avoid arrest by Waukee police officers and asking them to shoot him. Keaton Robert Leach, 26, of 25045 182nd St., Spirit Lake, was charged with interference with official acts. The incident began about 5:15 p.m. Monday at a residence in...
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