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On Friday, May 19^th, at approximately 6:43am, the West Des Moines Fire Department, along with West Des Moines Police, responded to a structure fire at 520 7^th Street.  Upon arrival, it was determined the residence was unoccupied, but the home sustained heavy damage due to the fire.

West Des Moines fire investigators, along with West Des Moines Police arson investigators, quickly determined the fire was suspicious and gathered evidence indicating it was intentionally set inside the residence.

After a joint investigation between fire and police, at approximately 3:00pm, West Des Moines Police arrested Evan Tingwald, 21 of Altoona on the following charges:

Three Counts of Burglary 3^rd Degree – Class D Felony

One Count of Arson 2^nd Degree – Class C Felony

Tingwald has been transported to the Polk County Jail where he remains incarcerated on the charges. 

The charges against the defendant are merely accusations, and the defendant is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Sergeant Jason Heintz

West Des Moines Police Public Information Officer

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