Iowa Murder Suspect Captured Found Hiding in Tree
A man wanted for first degree murder of a woman in Ames last month was found hiding in a tree and captured by police Sunday in Des Moines, after allegedly attacking two additional women.
According to Iowa's News Now, Des Moines cops were responding to an assault around 1:00 a.m. early Sunday morning. The assault victim was a woman who suffered serious facial wounds.
Shortly after, police discovered the suspect allegedly attacked another nearby woman who had witnessed the first assault and tried to call for help. Police searched the area and found Richard Fleck hiding up a tree.
The Iowa Department of Public Safety issued a press release saying Fleck was wanted for the killing of 37-year old Ranea Bell in Ames on February 10. The crime last month resulted in a first degree murder charge against Fleck who has been on the loose since then, but is now in custody.
He now faces additional charges of Attempted Murder and Willful Injury for the attacks on Sunday. Des Moines Police turned Fleck over to the Ames Police Department and he has been locked up in Story County Jail.
The investigation in the February 10 murder of Ranea Bell continues, and authorities are asking anyone with information about this case to contact the Ames Police Department or Crimestoppers of Central Iowa at (515) 223-1400.
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