West Des Moines Police Resolve Latest Reported Attempt To Entice A Child; Earlier Case Remains Active

WEST DES MOINES, IA — Police and school officials in West Des Moines said tonight that a child enticement situation reported Sunday — the second within a week — has been resolved and there was no intent of criminal activity. The police department said "a multitude of people in the general public" helped close the case.

"After speaking with all parties involved it was found that there was no malice or criminal intent involved in the incident and it was a simple mistake," West Des Moines police said in a news release. "This incident should be considered closed and no further investigation is needed."

The possible enticement in the 3400 block of Ashworth Road initially was reported about 2 p.m. Sunday. Police were told a male driver pulled into a residential driveway and appeared to make a gesture to get a child to come toward his vehicle, but left when approached by the child’s parent. Police reported that they were uncertain whether there was a connection to a report of a possible enticement on Thursday.

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In that situation, police received a report that an elementary-aged child was walking home after school about 4:30 p.m. and was approached by an unknown male who asked the child to get into his vehicle. The child said no and ran to their apartment in the 3900 block of Woodland Avenue.

The child reported the incident to a parent via cell phone and the police were called to investigate. That case remains under investigation.

The suspect involved in Thursday's report is described as a white male with a goatee, glasses, brown but possibly graying hair, and an eagle tattoo on his lower right arm. His vehicle is described as a silver car or SUV with tires in the back.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the West Des Moines Police Department Tip Line at 515-222-3399 or webmaster@wdm.iowa.gov.

Photo: West Des Moines Police Department website