DES MOINES – An Iowa man wanted for the murder of a woman was nabbed hiding in a tree after violent assaults
Just before 1:00 AM Sunday morning, residents in the 2500 block of Garfield Avenue in Des Moines contacted police (DMPD) after witnessing the assault of a female. The DMPD investigation found that an adult female had been severely beaten inside a home, and a witness was chased from the home and assaulted. Neighbors intervened in the assault of the witness and the suspect fled on foot. One victim remains hospitalized with serious injuries; the second was uninjured. Officers established a perimeter and a K-9 search was initiated. An officer assisting in the search located the suspect attempting to hide in a tree. He was taken into custody without incident.
That suspect was identified as 33-year-old Richard Fleck. Further investigation found that Fleck had an active warrant for Murder – 1st Degree, issued by the Ames, IA Police Department. On February 20, 2021, at 7:02 PM, the Ames Police Department conducted a welfare check at an apartment at 407 South 5th Street. Officers entered the apartment and found a deceased female inside. After processing the apartment, investigators believe the deceased died as a result of homicide. The victim has been identified as Ranea K. Bell, age 37, of Ames.
Follow-up investigation by Ames Police and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation identified the suspect in the case as Fleck, who is now in custody.
