Compiled by Jared Curtis jared@dmcityview.com
On the clock
Des Moines Police
Feb. 16-19
Feb. 16, 4:30 p.m.
Robbery in the intersection of 41st Street and Beaver Avenue. The victim stated he ran out of gas and began walking home when the suspect drove up and asked him questions about area banks. The suspect offered him a ride, which the victim accepted. The suspect then assisted the victim in finding gas. The suspect then allegedly asked the victim to deposit one of his checks into his bank account and then withdraw the money for the suspect. The suspect allegedly made threats with a weapon. The victim was able to take $220, but the suspect wanted more. He then forced the victim to drive to the victim’s bank where the teller questioned him. The suspect told the victim to roll up the window and they left. The suspect then jumped from the car and met up with his friends. Officers were unable to locate the suspect.
Feb. 18, 7 a.m. to 4:33 p.m.
Burglary in the 330 block of Bell Avenue. Victim stated the suspect(s) entered her residence by breaking out the glass of the south door and entering. The victim said approximately 12 pieces of jewelry, valued at more than $8,800, were missing. Officers were unable to locate the suspect(s).
Feb. 19, midnight
Assault in the 2200 block of Hubbell Avenue. The victim stated his wife and he were drinking at a local bar when they encountered the male subject. After drinking a while, the three crossed the street to visit another bar when the suspect became agitated and started throwing punches. The suspect struck the male victim in the head. Officers were unable to locate the suspect. CV
Busted
Name: Arthur Melandeo Ramirez Jr.
The story: While on patrol, an officer observed a dark colored car, driven by and later identified as Ramirez, traveling eastbound on Forest Avenue. The officer observed the vehicle swerve into his lane and pass another eastbound vehicle. In the process, the officer was forced to swerve to the right in order to avoid a collision. Ramirez drove past the officer at a high rate of speed and continued eastbound. The officer activated his light and pursued the speeding vehicle. Ramirez then sped through a four-way stop and another stop sign. After a short distance, Ramirez pulled over and was ordered out of the vehicle by gunpoint. He was then handcuffed without incident. Ramirez said he did not know the officer was chasing him, and said he was in a hurry to see his brother. Ramirez was transported to the Polk County Jail by wagon and charged with reckless driving, failure to obey stop sign, unsafe passing and eluding.
Most Wanted
Name: Jerry Shane Pratt
Age: 42
Height: 5’6”
Weight: 195 lbs.
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Hazel
Wanted for: Forgery charges.
If you know where to find this fugitive, you can anonymously report your tip to the Polk County Crime Stoppers by calling 223-1400, submitting the tip online at www.polkcountycrimestoppers.org or text your tip to “CRIMES” (274637) keyword “PCCS.” Cash rewards paid up to $1,000 for tips that lead to the arrest of the person.
By the numbers: $5,000
The number of dollars Dr. Stephen Gruba, a Corning physician, was fined after being accused of carelessly prescribing addictive painkiller to patients.
