A man was arrested after reportedly breaking into state Auditor Rob Sand’s Des Moines home and staying there for several days while his family was out of town for Thanksgiving.
The man was charged with one count of second-degree burglary and two counts of interference with official acts resulting in bodily injury.
“My family and I came home from Thanksgiving travels to find an intruder in our house,” Sand said in a statement provided to the Des Moines Register. “Our family is safe. The prompt assistance of law enforcement is one more thing for which our family is thankful.”
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Sand, a Democrat, is also a high-profile candidate for governor.
According to court documents, officers arrived and found the man in the Sands’ home.
“Officers approached and the defendant came out of the home claiming it was his, when indeed, it certainly was not,” the documents said. “The defendant was also wearing clothing that belonged to a member of the household.”
According to court documents, the man failed to comply with uniformed officers and “ultimately actively fought.” One officer said he sustained an injury to his left elbow, and the other said he sustained cuts to his hand.
Documents described the man as homeless. He previously pleaded guilty to first degree harassment after threatening to kill somebody.
He was taken into custody. His appointed attorney did not immediately respond to a request for information.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 11.
Brianne Pfannenstiel is the chief politics reporter for the Des Moines Register. She writes about campaigns, elections and the Iowa Caucuses. Reach her at [email protected] or 515-284-8244. Follow her on X at @brianneDMR.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Man breaks into governor candidate Rob Sand’s home over Thanksgiving
