Compiled by Jared Curtis jared@dmcityview.com

On the clock

Des Moines Police — April 6-7

April 6, 2 - 9:30 a.m.

Burglary in the 3500 block of University Avenue. The victim stated that the apartment manager advised him that his garage door, as well as the one next to his, was open. The victim said his toolbox and a number of tools, valued at more than $1,000, were missing. There was no forced entry, but there are two doors that lead into the apartment complex that are unlocked to gain access. There are no suspects or witnesses at this time.

April 6, 11:20 a.m.

Armed robbery in the 800 block of 17th Street. The victim told police that he walked to his car in front of his apartment building and put a bucket of change along with $100 in his car. The suspect was walking down the street and asked for a cigarette. The victim reached in his car to grab his cigarettes when the suspect punched him, got on top of him, pulled a knife and demanded the money. The victim threw the bills under the seat and gave the suspect the bucket of change. The suspect demanded the bills, and the victim obeyed. The suspect cut the rear tire of his vehicle and walked through a road construction site on the south side of Interstate 235.

April 7, 12:14 a.m.

Robbery in the 4900 block of Urbandale Avenue. An employee at Git-N-Go, 4900 Urbandale Ave., stated that a black male in his 20s came into the store wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and a red bandana over his face. The suspect had a knife and said, “you know what to do.” The suspect went behind the counter and cut the phone line. He took cash, $70, from the drawer and ran off in an unknown direction. The store has video surveillance, and authorities are waiting to view the tape.

Busted

Name: Matthew Jordan

The story: Officers responded to a call from the Locust Street bridge of a white male, later identified as Matthew Jordan, allegedly trying to stab people with scissors. Officers spoke with a witness who stated that Jordan was making threats that he was going to stab everyone. The witness videotaped the incident. After officers viewed the video, Jordan was found outside the YMCA, 101 Locust St. Jordan stated he was walking to the YMCA, when a group of kids chased him. The witness statement and the videotape did not support Jordan’s statement. Jordan was charged with assault with a weapon.

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. Zredirick Jerome Abrams.

“While conducting surveillance on a house, police observed a black BMW car parked by the house during times of activity that suggested drug sales. Twice police saw a man resembling defendant drive away in the BMW. The third time this person drove away, police followed the car and stopped it because the driver was not wearing a seat belt. The driver was defendant, Zredirick Abrams. During a consent search of the vehicle, police found cocaine powder, crack cocaine, a marijuana blunt and drug paraphernalia. When defendant was searched, police found a digital scale containing cocaine residue, more than $1,000 in cash, two butane lighters and 3.74 grams of cocaine.

“The defendant filed a motion in limine to exclude evidence including prior surveillance of the black BMW and possible drug-related activity correlating to the presence of the BMW. The district court denied the motion except to exclude evidence of defendant’s past criminal convictions. Objections at trial based on the reasons stated in the motion in limine, hearsay, and relevance were overruled. The defendant’s theory of defense at trial was that the drugs found in his possession were for personal use only, so he was guilty of possession, but not possession with intent to deliver. The jury found defendant guilty on all counts.

“At sentencing, the court cited the presentence investigation report, noting the numerous times defendant failed to appear in court and his extensive record of driving violations as indicative of defendant’s attitude toward the law. The court also noted the defendant’s age, his failure to pay back child support, his failure to tell the truth about his criminal record and his failure to take responsibility for his actions. The court imposed two terms of up to 10 years to run consecutively and a six-month term to run concurrently. The district court denied defendant’s motion for directed findings on the issue of intent made at the close of the State’s evidence.

“The district court did not improperly consider unproven charges or convictions. Rather, the court correctly considered the defendant’s repeated disregard for authority. We find no abuse of discretion and affirm the sentences imposed by the district court.”

Most wanted

Name: Timmy Sholley
Age: 36
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 179 lbs.
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Brown
Wanted for: Escape and violation of sex offender registry. If you know where to find this fugitive, call Crime Stoppers at 223-1400.

3.5 : Percentage of Iowans unemployed in the month of February.

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