Compiled by Jared Curtis jared@dmcityview.com

On the clock
Des Moines Police
Feb. 17-19

Feb. 17, 3:18 a.m.
Assault in the 2500 block of East 16th Street. The victim stated that he was walking into an apartment building and passed a group of three to four males that were leaving. The victim said he “exchanged words” with the group and then they jumped him and began hitting him.

Feb. 17, 12 to 8 p.m.
Burglary in the 4500 block of 63rd Street. The victim reported that someone broke out a pane of glass on the east door and gained entry. The building is vacant and is being renovated. According to the owner, this is the fourth time the house has been broken into. Nothing was reported stolen or damaged.

Feb. 19, 1:10 a.m.
Eluding, public intoxication and driving while revoked in the 700 block of University Avenue. Officers observed a vehicle slide erratically to a stop in the middle of the intersection at 7th Street and University Avenue. As officers turned around to conduct a traffic stop, the vehicle accelerated through a red light. The vehicle continued to accelerate and turned westbound on to the Interstate 235 ramp at which time the vehicle lost control and struck a snow bank. The vehicle continued onto I-235 and accelerated to speeds of more than 100 m.p.h. The car exited onto 42nd Street and headed north to University Avenue. Once on University Avenue the vehicle turned northbound on 48th Street where officers found the car abandoned. The vehicle was impounded and the driver was located later and arrested.

Busted

Name: Michael Armstrong
The story: While at Bourbon Street, 500 Army Post Road, the victim was drinking with some friends when he noticed Armstrong going through the pockets of his jacket. When the victim confronted Armstrong, he stated he was looking for his coat. When the victim told Armstrong to leave his coat alone, Armstrong replied, “I’ll knock you out.” Armstrong pretended to walk away and then attempted to punch the victim in the face. The victim grabbed Armstrong’s wrist and the two wrestled to the ground. Another companion of Armstrong’s struck the victim over the head with a pool cue. The victim admitted to grabbing a pool cue and striking Armstrong in the head. A crowd separated the two and forced Armstrong and his companion out of the bar. The victim was taken to Mercy Medical Center. Armstrong was arrested for disorderly conduct and 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. Jeana Blagg.

“Jeana Blagg pled guilty to three counts of forgery and received a deferred judgment. Blagg contends that the district court erred by imposing a civil penalty for each count. Because we conclude that the district court was required to impose the penalty for each count, but that the district court did have discretion to suspend the penalty, we affirm in part, vacate in part, and remand.

“In February 2006, the State charged Blagg with six counts of forgery. Pursuant to a plea agreement, Blagg pled guilty to three counts of forgery and requested a deferred judgment and the State dismissed the remaining three counts. On May 3, 2006, the district court granted Blagg’s request for a deferred judgment, placed Blagg on supervised probation for two years, and ordered her to pay a civil penalty of $750 for each of the three counts to which she pled guilty. During sentencing, Blagg argued that the district court could only impose one civil penalty of $750 for ‘one deferred judgment.’ She also argued the district court had discretion to suspend the penalty. The district court concluded that it was required to impose a civil penalty for each count and it did not have discretion to suspend the penalty. Blagg was granted discretionary review by our supreme court and the case was transferred to this court.

“Blagg argues that the district court erred in finding that it requires the imposition of a civil penalty for each offense to which she plead guilty. Because Blagg plead guilty to three counts of forgery, each would support the imposition of the penalty. Therefore, we conclude that the district court correctly determined it was required to impose a civil penalty for each count of forgery to which Blagg pled guilty. Blagg further argues that the district court erred in finding it did not have discretion to suspend a civil penalty. As the district court found it did not have discretion to suspend the civil penalty, we vacate this portion of the sentence and remand for limited resentencing. The resentencing is limited to allow the district court to exercise its discretion regarding the suspension of the civil penalties imposed.”

Most wanted

Name: Larry Golston Jr.
Age: 23
Height: 5’6”
Weight: 155 lbs.
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown
Wanted for: Weapons charges and escape. Golston is considered dangerous.
If you know where to find this fugitive, call Crime Stoppers at 223-1400.

7.3 : The percent of Iowa families living below the poverty level.

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