A Des Moines man has been arrested for allegedly threatening people with a gun earlier this month at a party in an Ames motel room. Ames Police Commander Jim Robinson says officers were called to an Econolodge just before 4 a.m. on December 2.
“Witnesses reported that a person at the party, identified as 23-year-old Deon Owens, had displayed a handgun and threatened people at the party,” Robinson said. “Other party attendees attempted to disarm Owens, at which time the gun did discharge.”
The bullet traveled through two walls and a door, but no one was struck. Owens fled the motel before officers arrived. He was found at a Des Moines home last night.
Owens was arrested and Robinson said officers recovered the handgun. According to Robinson, around 20 people were at the motel room party on December 2 and at least 11 partygoers reported Owens either threatened them with the weapon or attempted to take money or other items.
Owens is now in the Story County Jail facing 45 felony charges. The charges include 11 counts of first-degree robbery, 11 counts of intimidation with a dangerous weapon, 11 counts of going armed with intent, 11 counts of assault while participating in a felony and one count of possession of a firearm as a felon.
Robinson said Ames Police are still investigating the incident and expect additional arrests and charges.