Escaped Inmate Tyreed Small Sought by Police

26-year-old convicted robber failed to return to work release program in Des Moines

Mar. 13, 2026 at 8:10pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Tyreed Davon Small, a 26-year-old Black male convicted of Robbery 2nd Degree, failed to report back to the Fort Des Moines - Bldg. 70 work release facility as required on Friday, March 6, 2026. Small stands 6'2" and weighs 248 pounds. Authorities are searching for the escaped inmate and asking the public to report any information on his whereabouts.

Why it matters

Work release programs are intended to help rehabilitate offenders and gradually reintegrate them into society, but escapes undermine public trust and raise concerns about public safety. This incident highlights the challenges of balancing rehabilitation efforts with the need to hold offenders accountable.

The details

Tyreed Davon Small was admitted to the Fort Des Moines - Bldg. 70 work release facility on February 27, 2026 after being convicted of Robbery 2nd Degree in Polk County. He failed to report back to the facility as required on March 6, 2026, leading authorities to classify him as an escaped inmate.

  • Small was admitted to the work release facility on February 27, 2026.
  • Small failed to report back to the facility on March 6, 2026.

The players

Tyreed Davon Small

A 26-year-old, 6'2", 248-pound Black male convicted of Robbery 2nd Degree in Polk County and admitted to a work release program.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Authorities are urging the public to contact local police with any information on Small's whereabouts.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the challenges of balancing rehabilitation efforts and public safety concerns within the criminal justice system, as work release programs aim to reintegrate offenders but can also pose risks if inmates fail to comply.