Des Moines police say a pizza deliveryman, who shot a would-be robber, has a valid gun permit. Sergeant Vince Valdez says the incident unfolded last night on the city’s south side. The pizza deliveryman, identified as 38-year-old James Spiers, was confronted by a man with a gun as he entered an apartment building.
Valdez says Spiers has legal authority to carry a concealed weapon and used his gun to defend himself. The suspect in the case, 19-year-old Kenneth Jimmerson, is accused of placing a gun to Spiers’ head and robbing him of cash.
“But, Mr. Spiers reacted quickly, grabbed the gun hand of the suspect and was able to pull his own gun out at the same time and fire some shots,” Valdez said. Jimmerson was hit twice by the gunfire. At that point, Spiers called police.
Jimmerson, who’s charged with first-degree robbery, is listed in serious condition at a Des Moines hospital. Spiers does not face charges in the case, but has been suspended from his job at Pizza Hut. The restaurant prohibits it’s employees from carrying weapons.
Valdez says a gun isn’t a tool of the trade for a pizza delivery person, but in this case, it may have saved Spiers’ life. Jimmerson’s girlfriend, 18-year-old Melanie Stout, is charged with conspiracy to commit robbery. Valdez says Stout placed the order for the pizza.