Man wanted for Ape break-in in Des Moines arrested in Tulsa

Photo: Photo from Des Moines Police

(Des Moines, IA) -- The man wanted in the break-in at an Iowa non-profit that protects endangered apes has been found.

Des Moines Police say 43-year-old Chad Anthony Cooney has been arrested in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Cooney is accused of breaking into the Great Ape Initiative in Des Moines on August 27, causing property damage, and stealing expensive tools.


The endangered Bonobo apes kept at the Ape Initiative were not hurt.

Police say detectives found forensic evidence at the scene linking Cooney to the break-in, and were alerted by a pawn shop when police say Cooney tried to pawn some of the stolen tools.

Photo from Des Moines Police


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