Des Moines Police Department, Iowa
End of Watch Saturday, March 26, 2016
Add to My HeroesCarlos Bernabe Puente-Morales
Police Officer Carlos Puente-Morales and Police Officer Susan Farrell were killed when their patrol car was struck head-on by a wrong way, drunk driver on I-80, at mile marker 117.
They were transporting a prisoner from Council Bluffs back to Des Moines when the crash occurred. Both officers, the prisoner, and the driver of the wrong way vehicle were killed.
Officer Puente-Morales had served with the Des Moines Police Department for five months and had previously served with the Franklin County Sheriff's Department and the Ottumwa Police Department. He was a member of the Army National Guard.
Bio
- Age 34
- Tour 5 years, 5 months
- Badge 5172
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Vehicular assault
- Weapon Automobile; Alcohol involved
- Offender Killed in crash
Most Recent Reflection
View all 152 Reflections9 years ago you and Officer Ferrell were taken from the citizens here in Des Moines.
You both are still missed by many. Thank you both for your service and sacrifice.
Tonya LaFarr, Des Moines Iowa
Private Citizen, Law Enforcement Supporter
March 27, 2025
Recent LODD Deaths
Deputy Sheriff Tim Jordan
Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: January 21, 2026
Agent Aníbal Morales Aponte
Puerto Rico Police Department, PR
EOW: January 13, 2026
Zone Sergeant Steven W. Greene
New York State Police, NY
EOW: October 24, 2025
Sergeant Frederick W. Scheidt, Jr.
New York State Police, NY
EOW: August 13, 2025
Trooper Mark A. Ondus
New York State Police, NY
EOW: October 19, 2025
Police Officer Elijah Garretson
Copperas Cove Police Department, TX
EOW: January 11, 2026
Master Police Officer Donald Richard Gotthardt, Jr.
Fairfax County Police Department, VA
EOW: October 16, 2025
Police Officer Terry L. Bennett
Metropolitan Police Department, DC
EOW: January 7, 2026
Police Officer Stephen LaPorta
Uxbridge Police Department, MA
EOW: January 7, 2026




