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Des Moines Police Officer injured while conducting a felony arrest

News

October 30th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Des Moines, Iowa) – A Des Moines Police Department patrol officer is recovering after being injured Monday evening during the arrest of a person wanted for multiple felony offenses. Authorities say at approximately 5:00 p.m. Monday, the (Unidentified) 24-year-old officer attempted to make contact with 46-year-old Tohamad Fowler near SW 9th Street and Watrous Avenue, who was wanted by detectives in connection with an arson investigation.

Fowler, who also had unrelated active felony drug warrants, ran as the officer approached. The officer was able to catch Fowler, and in the process of taking Fowler into custody the officer sustained a dislocated shoulder and laceration to his head. The officer was treated at a local hospital, and released to recover at home.

The arson investigation began at approximately 9:00 a.m., October 26th, at a residence in the 400 block of E. Marion Street. Des Moines Police Department patrol officers and Des Moines Fire Department firefighters responded to investigate the report of a “Molotov cocktail” being thrown at a house, igniting a fire. The fire was extinguished, however the home did sustain moderate damage.

Arson investigators from the Des Moines Police Department Crimes Against Property Section and the Des Moines Fire Department responded to the scene. Investigators recovered evidence at the scene, including debris from a hand thrown incendiary device. Additionally, “Yahtzee,” the Des Moines Fire Departments arson investigation dog, alerted to the presence of an accelerant at the scene. Investigators also learned that Fowler and the resident of the home, who was within the home when the fire was started, were previously in a domestic relationship that ended approximately 9 years ago.

Yahtzee, the Des Moines Fire Department arson investigation dog, and Capt Huntoon arrive at the scene of an Oct. 26th arson. (Dsm PD Facebook photo)

In addition to the two felony drug warrants, Fowler has been charged with the following offenses:

• Arson – 1st Degree (Class B felony)

• Possession Of An Incendiary Or Explosive Device (Aggravated Misdemeanor)

• Interference With Official Acts Causing Bodily Injury (Serious Misdemeanor)