Man steals car, crashes it in front of owner

A Des Moines man was arrested after stealing a car and later crashing it while taunting the owner, police said.

According to a police report, a woman picked up Carl Bennett from work on Friday and was taking him back to an apartment complex in the 200 block of Dickman Road, where both parties live.

The victim said that while they were at the 1400 block of S.W. Army Post Road, Bennett punched her in the left eye twice and told her he was taking her car. When they arrived at the 200 block of Dickman, Bennett finally ordered the victim out of the vehicle.

The victim told police that she did not report the robbery out of fear and hoped that Bennett would return the vehicle.

On Saturday the victim called Bennett numerous times. The victim said that while she was calling Bennett, he was driving the vehicle in front of her residence taunting her.

The report said during the last phone call Bennett told the victim he was going to wreck her car. The victim then saw Bennett drive through the courtyard of the apartment complex and intentionally drive her vehicle into a parked vehicle. Police said Bennett then fled on foot to his apartment.

According to the report, Bennett caused over $1,000 worth of damage to both vehicles.

When police arrived at Bennett's apartment and proceeded to arrest him, Bennett tripped officers and attempted to bite one on the arm, the report said.

Bennett was charged with second-degree robbery, two counts of criminal mischief, two counts of assault on a police officer and interference with official acts. Bennett is currently being held in the Polk County Jail on a $13,300 bond.