DES MOINES, Iowa — Des Moines police have made two arrests in the assault of 22-year-old Darquan Jones.
Jones, who said the attack was "racially motivated", was hospitalized with injuries including facial fractures and a broken arm following an early-morning assault on May 16 in the 5200 block of South Union Street.
"Immediately, it was very apparent to us that this case was a priority," Sgt. Paul Parizek with the Des Moines Police Department said at a Friday press conference. "The injuries certainly indicated that that was the case. And also, the fact that there was some racist comments made during this investigation that was brought to our attention by the victim and also witnesses."
Parizek noted that the past month involved search warrants, witness statements and digital evidence.
Medical records, however, were what policed called the "final piece of the puzzle" to help put the charges together.
28-year-old Dale Millard was arrested Thursday and charged with a single felony count of Willful Injury — Causing Serious Injury.
27-year-old Jesse James Downs "surrendered into custody" on Friday afternoon, according to police. He is also charged with Willful Injury — Causing Serious Injury.
"Like I said from the start, like I said from the beginning, I just wanted justice for my son, and what we got here is justice," Darquan father, Daryl Jones, said. "My son is getting better. He's smiling, he's back doing a little bit. He's getting a little bit better. I'm just proud of my city, coming together."
NAACP Des Moines previously said incidents like Jones' assault have "exacerbated" issues facing the Black community.