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New Year’s Eve police calls include shooting, fight, hit-and-run
Des Moines police responded to a shooting on New Year’s Eve and diffused an unrelated fight, leading to a busier night than last year, officials noted Wednesday.
The Des Moines Police Department said they responded to 288 calls for service out of the more than 400 received from 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31 to 6 a.m. on New Year’s Day. That number was nearly a 10 percent increase from the year prior.
Officers are also investigating a hit-and-run that led to significant damage to an east Des Moines residence.
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One injured in southeast Des Moines shooting
The shooting, which is still under investigation, occurred at a party in the 1900 block of East Bell Avenue. Authorities said one adult male sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Calls about gunfire were up from a year ago on New Year’s Eve, though police said the incident at East Bell Avenue was the only confirmed shooting of the night.
Police also noted that they received fewer complaints about fireworks, disputes and domestic disturbances as 2024 came to a close.
“For the most part, you celebrated responsibly and we appreciate that,” the release noted.
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Signficant fight erupts in Court Avenue district
The night wasn’t entirely calm in downtown Des Moines.
A “large fight” broke out near Third Street and Court Avuene as the bars closed in the Court Avenue entertainment district, which sent thousands of people into the surrounding area.
Officers from other parts of the city assisted officers on foot patrol to resolve tussle, police said.
Four arrests were made throughout the night, according to the news release, though officials did not specify whether they were connected to the fight.
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Hit-and-run damages Des Moines home
Des Moines police are searching for a driver who they said lost control of a vehicle and crashed into a home in the 600 block of East 29th Street. The people inside the home were not injured.
A year ago, as 2023 transitioned into 2024, a driver allegedly fled from police on Interstate 235 and crashed into traffic barriers in the roadway at Third Street and Court Avenue, though no injuries were reported.
As a whole, Des Moines patrol officers issued nearly 40 citations and warnings this year and made two arrests for operating while intoxicated.
Phillip Sitter covers the suburbs for the Des Moines Register. Phillip can be reached via email at psitter@gannett.com or on X at @pslifeisabeauty.
This story has been updated to add video.
As the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Eve, police departments across the country were inundated with calls reporting various incidents ranging from shootings and fights to hit-and-runs.
In one city, a shooting occurred at a crowded New Year’s Eve party, leaving multiple people injured. Police arrived on the scene to find chaos and confusion as party-goers scattered in all directions. The shooter had fled the scene, leaving behind a trail of devastation.
In another incident, a fight broke out at a local bar as revelers celebrated the arrival of the new year. Police were called to break up the brawl and restore order, but not before several individuals were injured in the melee.
And in yet another city, a hit-and-run occurred as a drunk driver crashed into a parked car before fleeing the scene. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident, but the driver was later apprehended and charged with multiple offenses.
As we bid farewell to 2021 and welcome in 2022, let us remember to celebrate responsibly and prioritize the safety of ourselves and others. Let’s make this new year a time of peace, joy, and unity, rather than one marred by violence and chaos. Happy New Year to all, and may it be a safe and prosperous one for everyone.
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New Year’s Eve incidents, police calls, shooting, fight, hit-and-run, crime, law enforcement, emergency response, New Year’s Eve safety, public safety, holiday incidents, police blotter, New Year’s Eve news, police reports
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