Des Moines Man Charged After Allegedly Making Death Threat to Ankeny Police Officer

A Des Moines man is facing multiple charges after he allegedly stomped on an Ankeny police officer's foot and threatened to kill the officer.

Kenneth K. Edwards, 48, Des Moines, was arrested March 12 after several reports were made to the , according to police call logs. Witnesses said Hawkins was reportedly yelling, cussing and attempting to get nearby children to cross the street.

According to Capt. Joe Schaffer of the Ankeny Police Department, a caller originally reported Hawkins when he was spotted in the 200 block of Northwest Kline Street. Police call logs said dispatchers were told that Hawkins was reportedly trying to get nearby kids to cross the street. The caller also said Hawkins was cursing and yelling.

Schaffer said police did not see any of this behavior on their first check.

About 40 minutes later, police received reports from at least three people concerned about erratic behavior from Hawkins. Officers again made contact with Hawkins near the intersection of West First and State streets, Schaffer said, where Hawkins appeared to be intoxicated.

Upon the officer’s arrival, Hawkins refused to cooperate and became aggressive, Schaffer said. At this time, he allegedly made threatening statements toward the officer.

The responding officer took Hawkins into custody due to his aggressive behavior and visible intoxication, Schaffer said.

During his arrest, Hawkins threatened to kill the officer and at one point, stomped on the officer’s foot, Schaffer said. Neither Hawkins nor the arresting officer suffered serious injuries.

Hawkins was booked into Polk County Jail following his arrest. He is facing several charges including assault on a police officer, first-degree harassment, fourth-degree criminal mischief, public intoxication and interference with official acts.