Police hold fire when robber snags his pantyhose

A man dressed as a woman and armed with a knife allegedly advanced on a Des Moines police officer in the dark early today. But the man avoided getting shot by the officer when the man snagged his pantyhose on a chicken wire fence.

The fence apparently prevented the man from moving closer and attacking the officer, and police were able to take the man into custody.



Officer Natale Chiodo said in his report that the incident occurred as he was searching by flashlight for a man who had robbed the Walgreens drug store at 104 E. Euclid Ave.

Police charged Matthew Frederick Tandy, 33, of 3023 State St., with robbery, interference with official acts and harassment of a police officer.