Des Moines Police Arrested Bank Robbery Suspect
Officers apprehended 23-year-old Luther Ostby after tracking a device from a bank robbery.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Property Crime
Des Moines police arrested 23-year-old Luther Ostby for the robbery of a Bankers Trust branch on East Euclid Avenue. Officers located the suspect within 20 minutes of the incident by tracking a device.
Why it matters
The swift arrest underscores the use of modern tracking technology in law enforcement to resolve active robbery cases quickly. Police successfully cleared the scene while confirming that reports of gunfire or an accomplice were false.
Luther Ostby has been charged with first-degree robbery following his arrest in the 3800 block of East Eighth Street. He also faces an active warrant for domestic abuse assault.
The players
Luther Ostby
The 23-year-old suspect is currently in custody and faces charges of first-degree robbery and an existing warrant for domestic abuse assault.
Bankers Trust
This financial institution is the location that reported the robbery in the 100 block of East Euclid Avenue.
The details
After receiving an alert at 9:30 a.m. regarding a tracking device, officers surrounded a garage where they discovered the suspect and a BB pistol. The suspect was taken into custody shortly after 10:00 a.m.
Timeline
September 28, 2026: The robbery occurred and the suspect was arrested.
9:30 a.m. on September 28, 2026: Investigation began following a tracking device alert.
10:00 a.m. on September 28, 2026: The suspect exited the garage and was arrested.
Legal Context
The use of tracking devices to resolve property crimes follows a pattern set by the 2024 Des Moines police integration of GPS tracking in emergency responses. This incident highlights how such technology remains a standard tool for rapid intervention in local criminal investigations.
Residents should be aware that police have confirmed there is no ongoing threat related to gunfire or additional suspects. The area surrounding the garage on East Eighth Street is secure and poses no further risk to public safety.
The takeaway
Using advanced tracking technology allowed authorities to resolve this incident within minutes of the initial alert. This case reinforces the importance of integrated alert systems for securing neighborhoods during high-stakes emergencies.
Further reading
Learn more about local investigations in our Property Crime section.
