DES MOINES, Iowa — An 18-year-old man, Mohamed Abukar, has been arrested in connection with a $60,000 armed robbery that took place at a Des Moines home earlier this month.
The incident occurred on May 1 in the Oak Park neighborhood, where four individuals, one reportedly armed, broke into a residence and demanded cash. Investigators say the robbery was likely motivated by a social media post by a teenage resident showing off large sums of money.
According to court records, the 16-year-old victim—whose mother owned the cash—identified Abukar as the assailant who entered the home and threatened him with a gun. During the altercation, the teen sustained a bite wound on his arm while resisting before ultimately handing over the money in fear for his life.
Des Moines police later executed a search warrant on May 7 at Abukar’s residence, recovering a significant amount of cash. Authorities say some of the money was found in a coat similar to the one Abukar allegedly wore during the robbery.
Abukar has been charged with first-degree robbery and is currently held on a $25,000 cash bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 19.
Des Moines Police Department spokesman Sgt. Paul Parizek cautioned residents against keeping large sums of money at home, citing the risks of theft and lack of insurance coverage.
The investigation is still ongoing, with more arrests expected.
