WEST DES MOINES – Police and fire fighters raced to a residence fire Friday morning in this suburb of Iowa’s capitol city and after an investigation, nabbed a suspect on felony burglary and arson charges.
On Friday, May 19th, at approximately 6:43am, the West Des Moines Fire Department, along with West Des Moines Police, responded to a structure fire at 520 7th Street. Upon arrival, it was determined the residence was unoccupied, but the home sustained heavy damage due to the fire.
West Des Moines fire investigators, along with West Des Moines Police arson investigators, quickly determined the fire was suspicious and gathered evidence indicating it was intentionally set inside the residence.
After a joint investigation between fire and police, at approximately 3:00pm, West Des Moines Police arrested Evan Tingwald, 21 of Altoona on the following charges:
– Three Counts of Burglary 3rd Degree – Class D Felony
– One Count of Arson 2nd Degree – Class C Felony
Tingwald has been transported to the Polk County Jail where he remains incarcerated on the charges.
(PHOTO: Evan Tingwald jail photo)