Update 5/27/25: Hugo Jacobo Vasquez was sentenced to probation on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, after pleading guilty to felony charges of theft, eluding police and assaulting a police officer.
Judge David Porter ruled that Jacobo Vasquez will remain on probation for five years in lieu of a 17-year prison term, and that he must reside at the Fort Des Moines residential facility as long as directed to and otherwise obtain and follow mental health and substance abuse assessments and treatment.
Obtaining mental health treatment for Jacobo Vasquez was a priority for the parties, with prosecutors noting at one court hearing that, while incarcerated, he allegedly had tried to start a fire at the Polk County Jail.
Original article:
A man was arrested after stealing a car and crashing it into a patrol car on purpose, Des Moines police said.
Police spokesperson Sgt. Paul Parizek said in a news release that around 1 p.m. Thursday, officers were investigating a report of a vehicle stolen outside a convenience store in the 3500 block of Indianola Ave. An office spotted the vehicle and attempted to stop it, but the driver, Hugo Jacobo Vasquez, 31, fled, Parizek said.
Officers disengaged from the chase because of traffic conditions, he said, but then spotted Vasquez in the car again at a mobile home park in the 2800 block of S.E. 14th St.
When officers approached, Vasquez deliberately rammed their vehicle with the car, then fled on foot, Parizek said. The officers used a stun gun to stop and apprehend him, he said.
Vasquez was being held at the Polk County Jail on charges of first-degree theft, eluding officers, assault on a police officer with a weapon, interference with official acts and possession of a controlled substance.
A medic checked Vasquez and one of the officers for injuries, but neither needed treatment, Parizek said.
Kyle Werner is a reporter for the Register. Reach him at kwerner@dmreg.com.
This story was updated to add a video.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Man deliberately rams police vehicle with stolen car, Des Moines police say
Reporting by Kyle Werner, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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