Compiled by Jared Curtis jared@dmcityview.com

On the clock

Nov. 26, 1:07 a.m.
Robbery in the 2700 block of Southeast 7th Street. The manager of Paul Revere’s Pizza, located at 3201 Indianola Ave., received a delivery order for two pizzas. When the manager showed up, the two suspects — a black male in his 20s wearing a black coat, and a black female in her 20s wearing a fake fur coat and jeans — were standing in the driveway. The manager exited the vehicle, spoke with the male and handed him the two pizzas and pop that was ordered. The male asked if he had change for a $100. The manager said “yes” and then the male suspect pulled out a knife and told him to hand the money to the female. The two suspects fled with two pizzas, pop and more than $70 in cash. The K-9 unit was called in but was unable to locate the suspects.

Nov. 26, 1-3 p.m.
Burglary/garage prowl in the 3800 block of 55th Street. Officers were dispatched to the scene and spoke with the victim. He stated his son came home to find the garage door propped open with a floor jack. Suspect(s) took a box of DVDs, Playstation 2 games and a compressor, valued at more than $800. The victim thinks his nephew may be responsible due to his recent methamphetamines and theft problems.

Nov. 27, 4:40 a.m.
Burglary in the 4400 block of Hubbell Avenue. Upon arrival officers spoke with the manager of the Royal Flush Restaurant and Lounge, who admitted that he normally sleeps at the business. During the early morning hours, he awoke to the alarm going off and investigated the bar area. The suspect observed him and fled the business. The owner stated he didn’t have his glasses on and was unable to describe the suspect. The suspect entered by breaking a small window in the front door and unlocked the deadbolt. Nothing was stolen, but a couple of ashtrays were broken as the suspect fled the scene.

Busted

Name: Jeffrey Lynn Howard
The story: Officers were dispatched to Broadlawns Hospital regarding a dispute with a patient. When officers arrived they spoke with security, which stated that Howard was brought to Broadlawns by ambulance because of his mother. A nurse stated that Howard entered the hospital and allegedly was intoxicated, admitting to having taken Vicodin and smoking marijuana. Howard began to cause a raucous, giving staff member’s trouble. At midnight Howard began making loud noises, disturbing other patients in the hospital. Security stated that Howard ripped the IV out of his arm, causing blood to squirt on the floor as well as on security. Howard tried to leave and was detained by security. Howard began to fight with security and was placed in handcuffs. Officers arrested Howard for disorderly conduct and he was transported to Polk County Jail.

Docket Diving

The following is from a recent ruling made by the Iowa Court of Appeals regarding the case of the State of Iowa vs. Christopher Michael Martin.

“Christopher Michael Martin appeals his conviction and sentence following a jury trial for third-degree burglary and second-degree theft. Martin alleges ineffective assistance of counsel.

“In May 2006, a garage in Newton was broken into and a Kawasaki four-wheeler was stolen. The State’s theory was Martin broke into the garage with the intent to steal the four-wheeler and recruited friends to help him move it to Des Moines property belonging to Martin’s relatives. At trial, the friends and Martin all testified, and there were some inconsistencies in the testimony. Martin testified and denied involvement in breaking into the garage to steal the four-wheeler. Martin claims his trial counsel was ineffective in two ways: failing to object to the aiding and abetting instruction utilized by the court and for failing to request the court instruct the jury on his defense of compulsion. When there is an alleged denial of constitutional rights, such as an allegation of ineffective assistance of counsel, we evaluate the totality of the circumstances in a de novo review.

“To prove trial counsel was ineffective Martin must show that counsel failed to perform an essential duty and that prejudice resulted from counsel’s error. Additionally, improvident trial strategy, miscalculated tactics, mistake, carelessness or inexperience does not necessarily amount to ineffective counsel. A defendant is not entitled to perfect representation, but rather only that which is within the range of normal competency. As set forth above, Martin can succeed on his ineffectiveness claim only by establishing both that his counsel failed to perform an essential duty and that prejudice resulted. The trial attorney has had no opportunity to explain either trial strategy or a theory of defense, which could render the lack of an objection to the aiding and abetting instruction appropriate.

“Likewise, the record does not disclose whether the trial attorney had an appropriate strategy, theory of defense or other reason to support the action of not seeking an instruction on the defense of compulsion. We preserve Martin’s claims of ineffective assistance of counsel for a possible post conviction relief proceeding.”

Missing person

Name: Samantha Climaco
Age at report: 15
Age now: 15
Weight: 160 lbs.
Height: 5’6”
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown
Sex: Female
Incident type: Juvenile

Climaco was reported missing to the Des Moines Police Department on June 6. She may be in the company of an adult male, and may be traveling to New Jersey or Pennsylvania.

If you have information regarding the disappearance of this individual, please contact: the Missing Person Information Clearinghouse Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (800) 346-5507.

From the Missing Person Information Web site: http://www.iowaonline.state.ia.us/mpic.

111,000 : The number of homes that could be powered if 1,000 acres of Iowa land were covered with solar panels.

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