Police report 280 calls to hotel, fire dept. 190 violations

Summary

The Valley West Inn, a long-standing fixture near Valley West Mall, has recently faced serious issues, including 280 police calls in the past year and significant fire code violations. Following a tragic heroin overdose at the hotel, authorities are working to increase police presence and address safety concerns. A recent inspection revealed 190 violations, including dangerous conditions like exposed wires and improper disposal of cigarette butts. Despite these challenges, some community members express a willingness to stay at the hotel, highlighting a complex situation that balances community safety with the establishment's legacy.

Takeaways

• 🏨 The Valley West Inn has been a longstanding fixture near Valley West Mall but is now facing serious issues.
• 📞 West Des Moines Police have responded to 280 calls for service at the hotel in the past year.
• 💔 A recent heroin overdose resulted in a man's death at the Valley West Inn, leading to legal charges against an individual.
• 🚓 The police are collaborating with the hotel to enhance security and encourage reporting of problems.
• 🔥 A fire department inspection revealed 190 violations, including serious safety concerns.
• 🚨 Violations included non-functional smoke detectors and exposed wiring in the laundry room.
• 🚬 An excessive number of cigarette butts were found around the property, raising health and safety concerns.
• 🤝 The fire marshal indicated that efforts are underway to address the identified problems.
• 👶 A resident mentioned they wouldn't feel safe bringing their children to stay at the hotel.
• 🛑 The situation highlights ongoing issues with crime and safety in the area surrounding the hotel.

Q & A

What recent issues has the Valley West Inn faced?

The Valley West Inn has faced numerous criminal activities, including a recent heroin overdose and significant fire code violations.

How many calls for service did the West Des Moines Police receive at the Valley West Inn in the past year?

The West Des Moines Police received 280 calls for service at the Valley West Inn in the past year.

What happened last month at the Valley West Inn?

Last month, a Louisiana man died of a heroin overdose at the Valley West Inn.

What legal action is currently facing Danielle Smith?

Danielle Smith is facing an involuntary manslaughter charge related to the overdose incident.

What efforts are being made by the West Des Moines Police regarding the hotel?

The police are partnering with the hotel to increase patrols and encourage management to report problems.

How many fire code violations were found during the recent inspection?

An inspection by the West Des Moines Fire Department found 190 fire code violations at the Valley West Inn.

What specific fire safety issues were identified at the hotel?

Issues included malfunctioning smoke detectors, exposed live wires in the laundry room, and an excessive amount of cigarette butts around the smoke-free building.

What has the fire marshal stated about addressing the violations?

The fire marshal indicated that they have been working on resolving the identified problems at the Valley West Inn.

How long has the Valley West Inn been a fixture in the community?

The Valley West Inn has been a fixture in the community for decades.

What is the attitude of the police towards calls for service from the hotel?

The police encourage the hotel to call them whenever there are problems and want management to feel comfortable reporting issues.