Police Investigate Attempted Murder
MEDIA RELEASE: 10/23/19
On October 22, 2019 at 12:19 am, Officers with the Marshalltown Police department responded to 711 N 4th Avenue on the report of a shooting. When officers arrived, they discovered an unresponsive male in the common area of the apartment building. The male was transported to the UnityPoint Emergency Room by ambulance. Once the victim was stable, he was transported to a Des Moines hospital. The victim, George Sims Jr (25), remains in stable condition in Des Moines.
While interviewing witnesses, Detectives learned evidence related to the shooting was located at 814 N. 5th Avenue in Marshalltown. Detectives were granted a search warrant for the residence and based on the nature of the case the Marshalltown Police Department SWAT Team served the warrant. While serving the search warrant officers arrested Robert Fite Jr (age 44) on an outstanding warrant for Violation of Parole. Fite was also charged with Accessory after the fact (aggravated misdemeanor) for his role in the shooting investigation.
At 10:50 pm, Officers located a vehicle, which was occupied by the shooting suspect. A traffic stop was conducted on N 13th Street in Marshalltown and the suspect was taken into custody without incident. The suspect, Joseph Wade Bown (age-38) was arrested for Attempted Murder, Intimidation with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm by a felon.
The investigation into the shooting continues.
FITE, ROBERT LOUIS JR.
BOWN, JOSEPH WADE
*A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to call the police department or tips may be submitted by calling (641) 753-1234, via text by texting the word “marshall” followed by the tip to CRIMES (274637), or online at www.marshallcountycs.com. All tips are completely anonymous and could earn a reward of up to $1,000 if the tip results in an arrest.
For more information, please contact Captain Brian Batterson by calling 641.754.5733 or via email at bbatterson@marshalltown-ia.gov