DES MOINES – Police navigated a wild chase and with a desperate, wanted Iowa fugitive who allegedly tried to kill an officer before barricading himself in a Des Moines hotel yesterday.
Just before 10:15 AM on September 26, 2023, a Polk County Sheriff’s Deputy was patrolling in the 5200 block of NE 14th Street and attempted to stop a silver 2008 Honda Civic for failing to stop at a stop sign.
The driver of that vehicle entered the Budget Inn parking lot, located at 5220 NE 14th Street, and did not stop for the deputy. After driving through the parking lot, the driver of the vehicle jumped out of the vehicle failing to put it in park. The vehicle rolled through the parking lot, crossed NE 14th Street going east, and came to a stop on the east side of the street after striking a tree.
The subject, described as a black male with dreadlocks, fled on foot and the deputy pursued. During this pursuit, the subject fired shots from a handgun at the deputy before running into the Budget Inn. The deputy was not hit and called for additional units for assistance. Responding deputies, assisted by multiple agencies, quickly set up a perimeter around the Budget Inn to contain the subject. Assisting agencies included the Des Moines Police Department, Iowa State Patrol, Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), Ankeny Police Department, 5th Judicial District Fugitive Unit, United States Marshals Office, ATF, and the FBI.
Tactical units and negotiators were called in to assist with the situation. Just about 4 hours after the incident began, tactical units that made entry into the motel located the subject and placed him in custody without incident. Law Enforcement Officers and the subject were not injured.
The subject has been identified as 42-year-old Scott Eugene Smith of Des Moines. Smith was arrested for an outstanding warrant as well as several other charges including Attempted Murder, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Interference with Official Acts (felony). Smith is also facing several narcotics charges, a traffic offense, and a theft charge. Additional charges may apply as this investigation continues.
Police say this is an ongoing investigation.
