Urbandale Men Questioned in Alleged Armed Robbery in West Des Moines

Two Urbandale men allegedly robbed a West Des Moines man of his iPhone at gunpoint after he and a friend accepted a ride while walking in the vicinity of Westown Parkway and 31st Street about 10:15 p.m. Tuesday.

The victim, 18, and his companion, an 18-year-old Clive man, said they recognized one of the occupants of the car as a former Walnut Creek Campus classmate, so they accepted the ride, according to the report on file at the West Des Moines Police Department.

When they reached 22nd Street, the man the victim recognized reportedly pointed a gun at the men and told them to turn over their valuables. During this, a fourth man reportedly got out of the trunk and forcibly removed the two victims from the vehicle, allegedly taking the iPhone and a white lighter. The suspects reportedly went through their men’s wallets, but returned them when they found no cash.

West Des Moines Police stopped the vehicle, but the victims said they didn’t want the men charged, so they were released after questioning. Police seized an unloaded black Phantom BB-gun found under the seat of the suspects’ vehicle.

Police found the lighter, but were unable to locate the iPhone, according to the report.

Later, one of the victim’s father called and said his son had changed his mind and wanted to press charges. He was told to speak to the detective involved in the case.