Des Moines Police Officer Hit While Directing State Fair Traffic Dies

Photo: Des Moines Police Department

(Des Moines, IA) -- A Des Moines Police officer, who was hit by pick-up truck, while directing Iowa State Fair traffic at E. 30th Street and Grand Avenue has died. Senior Police Officer Phoukam Tran retired after being hurt in the line of duty in August of 2011. The impact threw Tran nearly 50 feet, resulting multiple critical injuries. Investigators determined the driver of the truck, 36-year-old Keith Terry had a blood alcohol that was limit three times the legal limit. He was convicted in 2012 of OWI and Serious Injury By Vehicle, and sentenced to seven years in prison and was paroled in 2013. Tran was 65.

Tran served 30 years with the Des Moines Police Department.

The Des Moines Police Department issued this statement:

SPO Tran was a highly-respected police officer and member of the Des Moines Department family, and will forever be remembered for his selfless service to the community. Funeral arrangements and memorial services are pending.


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