An Ames man was taken into custody Wednesday evening in connection with an armed robbery at 3817 Marigold Dr.

According to an Ames Police Department press release, Desean Marquis Sims, 18, of Ames, was arrested at 6:37 p.m. on a warrant for contempt of court. Sims has been charged with first-degree robbery — a class “B” felony — and assault while participating in a felony — a class “D” felony.

According to police records, Sims was arrested at 1113 North Dakota Ave. Ames Police Cmdr. Jason Tuttle said a search warrant was served at the same address later on Wednesday.

On Monday, witnesses said, two black males demanded money and other property after entering a duplex on Marigold Drive. One of the suspects discharged a handgun into a television set, and the suspects stole several items from the residents before fleeing north on foot toward Tripp Street.

Tuttle said investigators believe Sims was the shooter.

“Based on some of the information from [the detective’s] interview, and from some of the evidence we collected from the scene on Marigold [Drive], we were able to identify him as the shooter,” Tuttle said. “We have not found the gun yet, so that is certainly concerning to us.

Police said they can’t say for sure if Sims was involved in the armed robbery on Tuesday near North Grand Mall on Melrose Avenue, but investigators are not ruling it out.

“There are many similarities to the robberies, and his physical description would possibly fit one of the suspects from Tuesday,” Tuttle said.

Police said investigators developed Sims as a suspect during the past “day or so.” 

“Once we figured out where he was potentially at, we went ahead and arrested him for the contempt of court,” Tuttle said.

On Monday, police issued warrants for Jeremy Devon McCorley, 25, of Ames, for first-degree robbery and assault while participating in a felony.

The suspect is still at-large and police said they are receiving conflicting information about whether McCorley is still in the Ames area.

Anyone having information concerning this robbery or the whereabouts of McCorley should contact the Ames Police Department (515) 239-5133 or the anonymous tip line (515) 239-5533.