Des Moines Couple Arrested in Johnston Burglary Following Police Chase

Two Des Moines residents face burglary charges for allegedly breaking into a Johnston house and then fleeing the scene, according to a news release from the Johnston Police Department.

Police said that at about 3:40 p.m. July 12, officers were called to the 5600 block of Columbine Drive on a possible burglary in progress. Witnesses told police they saw a man and woman carrying several items out of a neighboring residence.

When Johnston officers arrived in the area they saw the suspect's vehicle leaving the scene and attempted to stop it. The driver of the suspect vehicle refused to stop and tried to elude officers.

Johnston officers pursued the suspect vehicle to the 1500 block of 23rd Street in Des Moines, where the driver got out of the vehicle and fled on foot. The female passenger remained inside the vehicle and was arrested by Johnston officers.

Des Moines Police were in the area and chased the man on foot, arresting him inside a residence at 1517 23rd St., Apt. 4. The man was identified as 35-year-old Joseph Lee Baker of Des Moines. He was taken to the Polk County Jail on several charges, including burglary and eluding officers.

The female suspect is Melissa Ann Havens, 34, of Des Moines; she was taken to the Polk County Jail and charged with burglary.

The burglary victim was not at home and the residence was unoccupied at the time of the incident. Additional charges may be pending upon completion of the investigation.