DES MOINES, IA – The Des Moines Police Department (DMPD) reported handling 778 calls for service between 6 AM Friday and 2 PM Saturday, with a notable 75% not related to crashes or stalled vehicles. The department remained active during the blizzard, addressing several significant incidents.
Early Friday, just after 6 AM, a motorist assisted a pedestrian who appeared in need of help. The pedestrian, identified as 28-year-old Jermaine Shetworth Ware, assaulted the 50-year-old driver and attempted to hijack the car. After failing, Ware managed to steal another vehicle on I-235. The Iowa State Patrol intervened north of Des Moines, ensuing a brief chase, leading to Ware’s arrest and vehicle recovery.
Around 1 PM on the same day, a patrol officer witnessed a hit-and-run at SE 14th St & Park Ave. The fleeing vehicle was later found stuck in a snowdrift, and its driver, a 42-year-old individual, was arrested on charges of Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) and hit-and-run, following an investigation by the Traffic Unit.
At approximately 2:30 PM, officers, alongside the Des Moines Fire Department rescue personnel, responded to a stabbing in the 2300 block of Dean Ave. The 37-year-old victim was hospitalized in serious condition but is expected to survive. The suspect has been identified, and detectives are pursuing the investigation.
Finally, just after 10 PM, officers were called to the 6100 block of Winona Ave following reports of gunshots. While evidence of a shooting was found, no injuries were reported. This investigation is ongoing. The DMPD’s continued efforts during extreme weather conditions highlight their commitment to community safety.