The good
Getting some young adults to leave the comfort of their parents’ home can be a challenge. Trying to locate one who chose to hitchhike and train-hop across the country is quite another. Daniel Landgrebe, 20, was reported missing since June 24, but was found alive earlier this week in Big Sky, Mont. Landgrebe’s mother, Susanne Landgrebe, said her son left home on May 25, without a cellular phone because he wanted to “travel off the grid.” Even so, he agreed to contact her every two to three days. When he failed to do that, Mom got worried. Maybe some people should stay home.
Owners of historic building, read closely! Yes, both of you. The Department of Cultural Affairs announced last week that the State Historic Preservation Office will accept applications for its tax credit program this year through July 31, and is reminding applicants of changes made to the program during the past legislative session. The program provides a state income tax credit of 25 percent of qualified rehabilitation costs for historic buildings. If you are interested, or if you are just really bored, look up Senate File 436 to find the new changes to major components of the program. Submit applications to the State Historic Preservation Office no later than 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31. SHPO is located in the State Historical Building, 600 E. Locust St. in Des Moines. Visit www.iowahistory.org, or call 515-281-5111.
The bad
A home robbery turned out to be a fatal mistake for one alleged Des Moines intruder last week. Police were tripped to 1113 24th St. regarding a violent home invasion robbery in progress. The caller said two men with handguns were threatening the occupants of the home. Officers arrived quickly and found the suspects nearby. Larry Hawkins, 57, of Des Moines, was shot and killed by Des Moines police officers after refusing to relinquish his weapon and after brandishing his handgun toward officers, according to a press release from the department. Michael Walker, 52, of Des Moines, was also allegedly involved in the crime. He complied with officers and was arrested and charged with first-degree burglary and assault causing injury while participating in a felony (two counts), intimidation with a dangerous weapon and felon in possession. Officers Theodore Stroope and Jacob Hedlund have been placed on paid administrative leave until the investigation into the shooting is complete.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office received a call of CPR in progress at 2701 S.E. Liberty Drive in Grimes on Saturday, June 22, around 12:30 p.m. Deputies and Grimes Fires and Rescue arrived at the scene a short time later to find 17-year-old Aaliyah West, of Grimes, unresponsive. She was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later. This case continues to be under investigation, no further details have been released at this time. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to call the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 515-286-3333, or Polk County Crime Stoppers at 515-223-1400.
The ugly
A 21-year-old man who was arrested last week in Seattle, Wash., learned just how serious the authorities are about threats of terrorism. The FBI and Seattle authorities were investigating Justin Jasper, of Nevada, who was arrested after he was spotted on the University of Washington campus in a stolen truck carrying multiple explosive devices, stolen firearms and body armor, according to NBC News. Jasper was arrested a few blocks away after a “high-risk” police pursuit. He was being held without bail on suspicion of possessing an incendiary device. Jail records gave no age or hometown for Jasper, but Vinson said the suspect was 21 years old and from Nevada. Campus police first encountered Jasper sleeping in a truck. A records check turned up empty, so they let him go. But the truck turned out to be stolen. Investigators found a stolen rifle with a scope attachment, a stolen shotgun, body armor and multiple incendiary devices, which police described as “very well made” and Molotov cocktails inside the truck. Crisis averted. CV
