DES MOINES – An alleged drunk driver with no valid license smashed into an Iowa police officer’s patrol car Tuesday night, sending both young men to the hospital for injuries.
Des Moines police say that a 1st watch officer is recovering after being injured when his patrol car was struck by a suspected impaired driver.
On December 3, 2024, at approximately 9:34 PM, the officer was driving southbound on SE 14th Street. As he passed through the intersection at Watrous Avenue, a northbound vehicle, operated by 21-year-old Facundo Ramos-Batalla, attempted a left turn and crashed into the drivers side of the patrol car.
Both the officer, a 24-year-old serving with DMPD since 2023, and Ramos-Batalla were transported to hospitals for treatment of minor injuries.
Investigators with the DMPD Traffic Unit have charged Ramos-Batalla with the following offenses:
• OWI – 1st Offense
• Failure To Yield Right Of Way Upon Left Turn
• Operating Without A Valid Drivers License
He was booked at 11:18 AM Wednesday and remains in the Polk county jail awaiting court appearances.
In 2023, Des Moines police officers arrested 466 drivers for OWI offenses, they said. The DMPD reminds motorists of the risks and dangers associated with impaired driving, and encourages drivers to plan ahead for a safe ride home.
The DMPD Traffic Unit is continuing this investigation.