Des Moines man arrested after explosion damages vehicle in ‘targeted attack’

A Des Moines man has been arrested after allegedly using an improvised explosive device to damage a vehicle on the city’s south side.

Des Moines Police Department patrol officers were called to a reported vehicle fire in the 1200 block of Hartford Avenue just before 6 a.m. Tuesday. Investigators found evidence of explosive damage to a vehicle, according to a news release, which prompted the DMPD bomb squad and arson investigators to join the investigation.

“Examination of evidence at the scene found debris consistent with an improvised explosive device, and damage to a vehicle consistent with an explosion,” the release said.

Des Moines detectives and ATF agents determined the explosion was a “targeted incident,” and identified 33-year-old Daniel Kashgen Hellmers as a suspect. The owner of the damaged vehicle and Hellmers know each other and were former roomates, police say.

Hellmers, of Des Moines, was detained during a traffic stop on Interstate 35 near Oralabor Road in Ankeny, and authorities seized a handgun and methamphetamine while executing a search warrant at a residence in the 4200 block of SW Ninth Street.

Read more: KCCI (Des Moines, IA)