Susan Farrell and Carlos Puente-Morales - Police Officer Fatalities - Des Moines, Iowa

Police Officer Susan Farrell, age 30, and Police Officer Carlos Puente-Morales, age 34, died in the line of duty on March 26, 2016. 

Susan Farrell and Carlos Puente-Morales

Officers Farrell and Puente-Morales were both members of the Des Moines Police Department. They both had 5 months of service with the Department and had graduated from the Police Academy in October of 2015. 

After midnight, the officers were transporting a prisoner from Council Bluff to Des Moines. They were travelling near Waukee, Iowa, on Interstate 80, when their patrol car was struck head-on by a car travelling at a high rate of speed. The speeding car was being driven in the wrong direction, against traffic.  

Tragically, both officers, the prisoner being transported and the driver of the vehicle which was driving the wrong way all died at the scene of the collision. 

The prisoner being transported was Tosha Hyatt, age 32, of Des Moines. 

The name of the wrong way driver has not been released as of this date.  

Michael, Patron Saint of the Police, pray for
Susan and for Carlos. Pray for those who have
lost them. 

It has not been determined as of this date if the driver driving in the wrong direction was impaired by alcohol or drugs. The entire tragic incident is under investigation by the Iowa State Patrol. 

Carlos was a member of the Army National Guard and had served tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was a former Deputy with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department and had previously served with the Ottumwa Police Department for over three years. 

Police comrades stated that Carlos was always willing to lend a hand to those in need. A funding site has been set up to help his family with expenses. 

Susan had previously served with the Polk County Sheriff's Office. She was married and was the mother of a very young daughter. A funding site has been set up to help her family with expenses. 

Police comrades stated that Susan could be relied upon at all times. 

The Des Moines Police Department is in mourning over the deaths of their sister and brother. Both were dedicated and well-respected officers who had a future with the Department. They will be forever remembered.

The loved ones of Susan and Carlos are devastated over their sudden and tragic deaths. They will be forever mourned.

Susan and Carlos are survived by many loving comrades, friends and family members who will forever miss them.

Thank you for your service to the community, Susan. 

Thank you for your service to your country and to the community, Carlos. 

Pray for all who die in the line of duty.

Pray for all who die by misadventure. They are with us one moment and are gone before we can say goodbye.

Pray that Susan Farrell is in Heaven. Pray that she is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Pray that Carlos Puente-Morales is in Heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen. 

Pray for Tosha Hyatt who is also a victim in this terrible tragedy. Pray that she is at peace and is with God. Amen.