DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Des Moines police say they plan to beef up security of the downtown skywalk system in the wake of an attack earlier this month on a man and his girlfriend. Station KCCI reports that the plan unveiled Tuesday includes updated security cameras. Sgt. Paul Parizek also says the department plans to assign more officers to ensure the skywalk system remains safe.
Tom Conley’s company provides security for the skywalk under contract to the skywalk association, and he says he welcomes additional support from the police department. Police say a 21-year-old man and his girlfriend were attacked Oct. 12 by 20 to 30 teens or young men in the skywalk near the Wellmark YMCA. The man was later hospitalized for treatment after being kicked and punched. The woman also was punched.