Compiled by Jared Curtis jared@dmcityview.com

On the clock
Des Moines Police — Feb. 1-4

Feb. 1, 8:31 a.m.
Robbery in the 2800 block of Easton Boulevard. The clerk at Kum & Go, 2825 Easton Blvd., observed a male suspect enter the store wearing a blue and yellow coat, blue jeans and a black ski mask. The suspect walked behind the counter and opened the cash register as the employee ran towards the counter, from the back of the store. The suspect jumped over the counter and as he tried to leave, the employee grabbed his leg and foot to stop him. The suspect got away with $200.

Feb. 4, 12:01 to 11:13 a.m.
Burglary in the 1500 block of 31st Street. The victim returned late after attending a Super Bowl party. The next morning when she woke up, she discovered that her home had been broken into. The suspect(s) gained entry by breaking out a glass door in the basement. Multiple items were taken, including a computer, a television, a Playstation 2 video-game console, 20 video games, two love seats, a table and chairs and two lamps, totaling more than $4,400.

Feb. 4, 4 p.m.
Burglary in the 3200 block of South East 18th Court. The victim left his house during the afternoon, and when he returned he noticed the door jam was split. The victim checked the top shelf of his closet to find his gun, which was missing. A red bag was emptied and missing, possibly to carry stolen property. In addition to his 9 mm handgun, other items including two ammunition magazines, 18 rounds of ammunition and two gold rings, valued at more than $800 were stolen.

BUSTED

Name: James Martin II
The story: Officers were sent to the Jungle Room, 5715 Douglas Ave., on a call about a fight. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the victim who said he was an employee at the bar. The employee was attempting to escort Martin out of the bar because he was allegedly drunk and belligerent towards patrons. Martin punched the employee in the face causing a laceration and swelling. Martin, who had injuries to his head and hands prior to the officer’s arrival, was charged with assault causing injury.

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. Bradford Good.

“Following a traffic accident in July 2006, Good was charged by trial information with Operating While Intoxicated (O.W.I) first offense, when THC was detected in a blood sample obtained shortly after the accident. On Sept. 25, 2006, Good entered a written guilty plea to the offense pursuant to a plea agreement. Good then filed a motion to withdraw his guilty plea and a motion to suppress on Nov. 30, 2006, arguing that he is dyslexic, could not read the written plea although he signed it and was not read the plea by his attorney at the time. Judgment was entered and Good was sentenced in April 2007, and he now appeals the denial of his motion to arrest judgment. We review the district court’s denial of Good’s motion in arrest of judgment for an abuse of discretion and will reverse only if the ruling was based on reasons that are clearly unreasonable or untenable.

“Good argues that he entered into his written guilty plea without full knowledge and understanding of its consequences. This occurred, Good contends, because he is dyslexic and during the plea process his attorney failed to read the written plea to Good or explain its consequences. As the state indicates in its brief, the record contradicts Good’s assertions concerning his knowledge and assent to the written plea. Good signed the three-page plea, initialing each paragraph as indication of his understanding of its terms, which included a colloquy on constitutional and statutory rights, the range of possible punishments and possible legal defenses. The plea also contained a verified statement by Good’s counsel at the time that he had explained Good’s constitutional rights, reviewed the trial information, elements of the crime and any possible defenses.

“The only evidence proffered by Good to support his claim was his testimony at the motion in arrest of judgment hearing. In light of this record before us, we conclude the district court did not abuse its discretion in denying Good’s motion in arrest of judgment and affirm.”

Most wanted

Name: Rose Phommanyvong
Age: 24
Height: 5’2”
Weight: 115 lbs.
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown
Wanted for: Identify theft and drug charges. If you know where to find this fugitive, call Crime Stoppers at 223-1400.

98 : The number of homes in Polk and Dallas County that are assessed at $1 million or more.

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