Compiled by Jared Curtis jared@dmcityview.com

On the clock
Des Moines Police — June 22-23

June 22, 2:13 a.m.
Burglary in the 1900 block of Southeast 14th Street. Officers were dispatched to The Smoke Shop, 1918 S.E. 14th St., on an alarm called in from Per Mar Security showing interior motion. When officers arrived, they noticed the west window was broken and a piece of wood on the ground beside it. The K-9 unit was called in to assist with clearing the building. The manager was not sure what was missing, but told police the store has a video camera and the tape would be available at a later date. No witnesses or suspects were reported.

June 22, 7:31 p.m.
Third-degree burglary and fifth-degree criminal mischief in the 1400 block of East 12th Street. Officers were dispatched to Wallace Elementary, 1401 E. 12th St., on a burglary in progress. Upon arrival, officers discovered an open door to the gymnasium on the north side of the building. A K-9 officer assisted in clearing the building. Officers noticed that several fire extinguishers had been deployed in the gym, offices, classrooms and hallways. Binders and office equipment were thrown all over the floor in the office and light bulbs had been busted out in the hallways. Two male juvenile suspects were found hiding in two cabinets inside a classroom. Both suspects were arrested, charged with third-degree burglary and fifth-degree criminal mischief and transported to the Polk County Jail.

June 23, noon to 7:45 p.m.
Burglary in the 3200 block of Southwest 12th Place. The victim said that he was in the process of moving out of the house and had been out of town. The victim came home and found the back door kicked in, but was unsure on what was missing. No witnesses or suspects were reported.

BUSTED

Name: Stacy Aaron Green

The story: Officers were dispatched to 918 Marion Ave., on reference to a burglary in progress. Upon arrival, officers saw someone running from the back of the building. While searching for the suspect, officers found a broken window. Officers heard the neighbors yelling at someone and made their way next door. The neighbors said a man, later identified as Green, was hiding by their fence. Officers found clothes in the witnesses’ back yard and Green hiding, wearing only jean shorts. Green stated he took off his clothes because he saw police in the area. Green also stated he had drank a case of beer and was “drunk and out being stupid.” Green allegedly had bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, unstable balance and a strong odor of alcohol on his breath. The witnesses stated they heard glass breaking and saw Green walking along the fence between the two properties, wearing the clothes that were later found. Green was arrested and charged with third-degree attempted burglary and public intoxication.

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. Ronald Joseph Wasko.

“On Dec. 17, 2005, Robert Ludwig was traveling east from Ottumwa and noticed dust rising from the gravel road. Seeing no other traffic, Ludwig pulled over, spotted a car upside down and called 911. Deputy Jeff Layton of the Wapello County Sheriff’s Department was the first officer to arrive. Deputy Layton noticed the driver, later identified as Wasko, had a strong odor of alcohol and appeared to be unconscious. An ambulance transported Wasko to the hospital. At the hospital, Dr. Thomas Leavenworth signed an affidavit certifying that Wasko was unconscious and incapable of consenting or refusing to submit his blood. A lab technician took a sample of Wasko’s blood, signed the request form and turned it over to Deputy Layton. The DCI analysis found a blood alcohol content of .172.

“Wasko waived his right to a jury trial and the case was tried to the court on the minutes of evidence. The court concluded Wasko was guilty of operating while intoxicated, second offense and driving while suspended. Wasko was sentenced to a term of imprisonment not to exceed two years, with all but seven days suspended. Wasko now appeals.

“Wasko argues the district court erred in admitting the blood alcohol test as testimonial evidence in violation of his constitutional right to confrontation. We find no violation of Wasko’s Sixth Amendment right to confront the witnesses against him. We conclude the district court did not error and affirm on this issue.

“Wasko also claims there was insufficient evidence to show he operated the motor vehicle. To convict a defendant charged with operating while intoxicated, the State must establish beyond a reasonable doubt the defendant operated the vehicle and did so while intoxicated. A witness traveling on the road noticed dust rising. There were no other cars or people on the road. When police arrived, several officers noticed Wasko had a strong odor of alcohol, was trapped inside the vehicle and the vehicle’s lights were on.

“We find this evidence substantially supports the district court’s finding that Wasko operated the motor vehicle. We affirm on this issue.”

MOST WANTED

Name: Thomas Roy Dell
Age: 47
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 225 lbs.
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Brown
Wanted for: Drug charges by the Ankeny Police Department, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Iowa State Patrol.

If you know where to find this fugitive, call Crime Stoppers at 223-1400.

202,087 : The number of calls to the Des Moines Police Department in 2007 for police services.

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