Des Moines Police

Des Moines Police As the largest and most urban law enforcement agency in the state, the Des Moines Police Department has a strong commitment to community policing.

We encourage our residents to help us address issues occurring in their neighborhoods and to participate in the resolution of their concerns. Our Neighborhood Based Service Delivery Program has been expanded, assigning detectives and Traffic Unit officers to neighborhoods to provide citizens with greater access to department resources.Our department consists of an authorized strength of 379 sworn

officers and 110 civilian support personnel. The department is organized into two divisions: the Operations Division and the Investigations Division. Both divisions are commanded by assistant chiefs who report directly to the Chief of Police.

Investigators with our Traffic Unit are asking for the community’s help with locating a person wanted in connection with...
06/01/2026

Investigators with our Traffic Unit are asking for the community’s help with locating a person wanted in connection with a fatal crash.

32-year-old Nicholas Johnston has active warrants for Homicide By Vehicle, Leaving The Scene Of An Accident Causing Death, False Report Of An Indictable Offense, and traffic offenses.

Evidence indicates that on April 25th, at approximately 4:30 AM, Johnston was driving his car and ran a red light, crashing into a truck operated by 77-year-old Raymond Brown. Johnston ran on foot from the scene without offering aid or information.

Two days later, Johnston reported his vehicle as stolen.

On April 30th, Brown died of injuries sustained in the crash.

Efforts to take Johnston into custody have not produced results. If you have any information regarding Johnstons recent or current location, please call 515-283-4811. You may also submit tips by using the “Submit A Tip” function on the DMPD mobile app, or online at www.crimestoppersofcentraliowa.com. You may remain anonymous.

Here are this week’s mobile radar locations. Please drive safely!Mon1700 Blk Park Ave300 Blk SE McKinley AveTue1700 Blk ...
05/31/2026

Here are this week’s mobile radar locations. Please drive safely!

Mon
1700 Blk Park Ave
300 Blk SE McKinley Ave

Tue
1700 Blk Park Ave
300 Blk SE McKinley Ave

Wed
1700 Blk Park Ave
300 Blk SE McKinley Ave

Thu
1600 Blk E University Ave
2200 Blk E 29th St

Fri
1600 Blk E University Ave
2200 Blk E 29th St


Speed trailer locations, May 26th - June 5th:
1800 Blk Fleur Dr
2800 Blk Indianola Ave

UPDATE:The third suspect, a 17-year-old female, is in custody and has been referred to Juvenile Courts.Thank you to all ...
05/30/2026

UPDATE:

The third suspect, a 17-year-old female, is in custody and has been referred to Juvenile Courts.

Thank you to all who provided help and support during this investigation.

UPDATE:

Caleb Beuter and an involved 17-year-old female were taken into custody last night.

Beuter has been charged with the following offenses:

Arson - 2nd Degree (Class C felony)
Conspiracy To Commit A Non-Forcible Felony (Class D felony)

Beuter is being held at the Polk County Jail.

The involved juvenile has been referred to Juvenile Courts on the same offenses.

The third involved person has not yet been identified.

If you have any information regarding this persons identity, please call 515-283-4811. You may also submit a tip through the "Submit A Tip" function on the DMPD mobile app, or online at www.crimestoppersofcentraliowa.com.

Detectives continue this investigation.

UPDATE:

Your tips have led to the identification of a second of the three involved persons, a juvenile. Arson-related charges are pending. This investigation continues.

ORIGINAL POST:

Crimes Against Property Section Arson detectives are asking for the community’s help with identifying & locating persons involved in a downtown arson incident.

Just after 1:00 AM on May 29th, DMPD & DMFD responded to the Krause Gateway Center, 1459 Grand Avenue, for a report of a fire in front of the building. The item on fire was determined to be a sofa that was discarded in the Pappajohn Sculpture Park earlier in the evening.

Evidence indicates that three persons participated in covering the sofa in a flammable liquid and set fire to it. The resulting fire caused significant damage to the sidewalk in front of 1459 Grand Avenue.

One person has been identified as 21-year-old Caleb Beuter. Detectives have active felony charges for Beuters arrest.

If you have any information regarding the two unidentified persons in these photos, or the current or recent location of Beuter, please call 515-283-4811. You nay also submit tips using the “Submit A Tip” function on the DMPD mobile app, or online at www.crimestoppersofcentraliowa.com.

The Des Moines Police Burial Association represents more than 600 active and retired members of the Des Moines police De...
05/29/2026

The Des Moines Police Burial Association represents more than 600 active and retired members of the Des Moines police Department and, much like that membership, prioritizes supporting our community.

Each year, the Association hosts Cops Classic golf outing that brings retirees, current officers, their families, and members of the community together for charity. This year, the Association donated $4,000 to the FDMLL - Fort Des Moines Little League as they continue to recover from a January fire at their facility.

Thank you to all who came out today, thank you to our sponsors, and thank you to Des Moines Parks and Recreation A.H. Blank Park Golf Course for hosting!

“Whenever we pass this site or walk on this path, may it remind us of the precious, fragile nature of peace, and the hig...
05/28/2026

“Whenever we pass this site or walk on this path, may it remind us of the precious, fragile nature of peace, and the high price at which it is maintained. May it inspire us to live with the same integrity, honor, and courage that Sgt. Beminio exemplified every day.” - Chief Michael McTaggart

Yesterday, family, friends, and fellow officers of Sgt. Tony Beminio gathered at Glendale Cemetery to dedicate the new walking trail in his honor.

A collaborative project between DMPD, Des Moines Parks and Recreation, and the City of Des Moines leadership, this memorial will stand as a reminder that Sgt. Beminio’s sacrifice is woven into the safety and freedom of every citizen in Des Moines.

Please join us as we congratulate Sergeant Brian Vance on a well-earned retirement.For more than three decades, Sgt. Van...
05/27/2026

Please join us as we congratulate Sergeant Brian Vance on a well-earned retirement.

For more than three decades, Sgt. Vance answered the call with professionalism & a commitment to serving others. That dedication extended beyond DMPD and into the fire service, where he served 14 years with Northern Warren Fire Department, retiring as Chief in 2022.

Thank you for 36 years of service, sacrifice, and friendship. Congratulations on your retirement, Sarge!

Coach has been trending in the news. Thought we’d throw back to this old radar meme for those who missed it the first ti...
05/26/2026

Coach has been trending in the news. Thought we’d throw back to this old radar meme for those who missed it the first time…

Here are this week’s mobile radar locations. Please drive safely!

Monday: None
Happy Memorial Day

Tue
2800 Blk SW 9th St
1000 Blk SE 14th St

Wed
2800 Blk SW 9th St
1000 Blk SE 14th St

Thu
4300 Blk Ingersoll Ave
4800 Blk Hickman Rd

Fri
4300 Blk Ingersoll Ave
4800 Blk Hickman Rd

Speed trailer locations, May 26th - June 5th:
1800 Blk Fleur Dr
2800 Blk Indianola Ave

Today, we honor those who gave all in service to our country. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten, and their legacy...
05/25/2026

Today, we honor those who gave all in service to our country.

Their sacrifice will never be forgotten, and their legacy lives on in our freedom.

Footwork & Footage: Classic Police-Work And Current Technology Combine To Solve Overnight Hit & Run DeathSince 2:00 AM t...
05/24/2026

Footwork & Footage: Classic Police-Work And Current Technology Combine To Solve Overnight Hit & Run Death

Since 2:00 AM this morning, investigators with the Traffic Unit dedicated their work to searching for the person responsible for the hit & run death of a pedestrian.

Leads generated from local business, residential, and City traffic cameras narrowed the search for the run vehicle to the Easter Lake Area neighborhood. There, investigators began to canvass the neighborhood. Shortly before 2:00 PM, they located the suspected run vehicle at an apartment complex in the 2100 block of King Ave.

Further investigation found evidence indicating that 28-year-old Ludvin Zuniga Sarceno had been driving the vehicle that struck and killed the pedestrian.

Sarceno has been charged with Leaving The Scene Of An Accident Resulting In Death (Class D felony), and misdemeanor license and insurance related offenses.

Technology can lead the way, but there will always be cops doing the work!

UPDATE:Arrest made by the Traffic Unit.Original Post:Investigators with our Traffic Unit are investigating an overnight ...
05/24/2026

UPDATE:

Arrest made by the Traffic Unit.

Original Post:

Investigators with our Traffic Unit are investigating an overnight hit and run that killed a pedestrian.

Officers and medics were called to the scene in the 1000 blk of E. Railroad Ave just after 2:00 AM this morning. An adult female was found deceased in the roadway.

Investigators are actively working to identify the vehicle and driver involved, and even the smallest piece of information could make a difference.

If you have any information regarding this investigation, please call 515-283-4811. You may also share tips by using the “Submit A Tip” function on the DMPD mobile app, or online at www.crimestoppersofcentraliowa.com. Anonymous tips are welcome.

Address

25 E. 1st Street
Des Moines, IA
50309

Telephone

+15152834800

Website

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