Operation Heatwave: 61 Arrests for Violent Offenders Across Central Iowa

A four-day fugitive operation across central Iowa has resulted in dozens of arrests and the removal of several dangerous offenders from local communities.

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The U.S. Marshals Service Southern Iowa Fugitive Task Force says Operation Heatwave led to the arrest of 61 wanted people and the clearance of 97 felony warrants. The operation ran from July 21st through July 24th after planning began in late June. The enforcement effort targeted violent offenders and suspected gang members tied to serious crimes; included homicide, robbery, sexual assault, aggravated assault, weapons offenses, and felony drug crimes. The U.S. Marshals also outlined the operation's most notable arrests:

• Alfred Pyne, 18: Arrested in Urbandale on charges of intimidation with a dangerous weapon and reckless use of a firearm after the Fourth of July shooting at Lions Park.
• Jacob Kerr, 26: Arrested in West Des Moines on probation violation warrants connected to prior convictions involving a firearm, operating while intoxicated, and pimping or procuring for prostitution.
• Kristopher Keys, 28: Arrested in Des Moines on warrants that included drug possession, illegal possession of a firearm by a felon, and witness tampering.
• Jejuan Tyree Lyke, 30: Arrested in Des Moines on a parole violation tied to convictions for kidnapping, intimidation with a dangerous weapon, and willful injury. He also faced outstanding warrants for distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl.
• Chad Smith, 44: Arrested in Des Moines on a second-degree sex abuse warrant. Smith had been wanted since the 2024 sexual assault of a juvenile. Authorities say an Iowa State Patrol K-9 located him hiding inside a specially built concealed compartment, where he was attempting to hide.

During the arrests officers also recovered three firearms and several pounds of narcotics that were most likely intended for distribution.

“Operation Heatwave demonstrates what can be accomplished when federal, state, and local law enforcement work together to make our communities safer. Locating and arresting the most dangerous offenders remains one of the highest priorities of the U.S. Marshals Service.”

-Ted Kamatchus, U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Iowa.

More than a dozen agencies assisted in Operation Heatwave, including the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Des Moines Police Department, Iowa State Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the USDA Office of Inspector General, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.

In 2025 alone, the U.S. Marshals Service agency arrested more than 73,000 fugitives and cleared nearly 88,000 warrants. That averages to about 293 fugitive arrests every day.