DES MOINES, Iowa — The Des Moines Police Department is asking the community’s help in locating a wanted man they say abused his girlfriend and a puppy.
Des Moines Police says the investigation began Thursday morning, just before 7:30 a.m., when a 33-year-old woman called officers to her southside apartment on a report that her boyfriend had assaulted her and injured her puppy. Authorities say the victim’s physical injuries appear to be minor, and she is recovering.
Des Moines Police have identified the boyfriend as 33-year-old Shawn Cornelius Stanton. Officials say Stanton is around 6 feet tall and 160 pounds, with distinct facial tattoos.
DMPD officers arrived on scene, where they learned that Stanton had fled with the injured puppy. While investigating, officers found evidence that Stanton had dumped the injured puppy in a wooded area near the apartment.
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An hours-long search of multiple locations using cars, officers on foot, and drones, for both Stanton and the injured puppy ensued. Authorities say just after noon, officers heard what they described as “yelping” in a wooded area along the 7100 block of SE 5th Street. A K-9 officer found the puppy under some tree debris.
Des Moines Police say the puppy has been turned over to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa and transported to its Animal Services Shelter for treatment. Officials say a preliminary diagnosis of the puppy shows evidence of repeated abuse, resulting in a broken jaw and broken leg…