DES MOINES, Iowa — Des Moines police have arrested a suspect they believe planted an explosive device in a car.
35-year-old Daniel Kashgen Hellmers faces the following charges:
- Arson in the First Degree
- Possession Of Incendiary Or Explosive Device With Intent
- Felon In Possession Of A Firearm
In addition, Hellmers is charged with two drug-related offenses.
Police began investigating just before 6 a.m. Tuesday when they responded to reports of a car fire on Hartford Avenue, according to a press release.
When they arrived, first responders found what looked like damage from an explosive device, but no fire.
Officers called in the DMPD Bomb Squad and arson investigators to further examine the evidence.
"Examination of evidence at the scene found debris consistent with an improvised explosive device, and damage to a vehicle consistent with an explosion," Des Moines police said in the press release.
After identifying Hellmers as a suspect, police detained him during a traffic stop on I-35 at Oralabor Road in Ankeny. Investigators believe he knew the owner of the vehicle and targeted their car.
Police anticipate there will be another arrest made in the case.