TAG SEARCH RESULTS FOR: "Crime"

High Speed Pursuit Leads to Arrest of Murder Suspect by State Patrol

(DES MOINES, Iowa) – The Iowa State Patrol attempted to stop a vehicle yesterday on Hwy 218 near Nashua around 9:30 am for a speed violation. The driver, 21 year old Devon Cooke of Miami, Florida, fled at speeds over 100mph and drove at oncoming traffic. He was apprehended after a short foot pursuit when his tires became deflated from a set of stop sticks deployed by officers.

Driver was charged with OWI 1st degree, felony eluding, assault on a peace officer, possession with intent to deliver, fail to affix tax stamp, possession of drug paraphernalia and multiple traffic violations. He is being held in the Chickasaw County Jail on these charges and awaiting extradition to Dade County Florida where is wanted for 2nd degree murder.

Assisting in the pursuit was Iowa DOT Enforcement, Bremer County Sheriff’s Department. Chickasaw County Sheriff’s Department, Blackhawk County Sheriff’s Department and Janesville Police Department.

Note: A criminal charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Ottumwa Man Arrested for Burglary, Resisting Police

On Tuesday, March 06, 2018, at approximately 3:23 AM, officers responded to 317 S. Milner, Ottumwa, on a possible burglary in progress call. Officers located a male suspect inside the basement area of the residence. The male refused to identify himself to police but was later identified as Christopher Garrett Allen, age 27, of Ottumwa.

Allen was arrested and charged with Burglary in the 2nd Degree, a Class “C” Felony and Interference with Official Acts (3 Counts), all simple misdemeanors.

Please note the following pursuant to recent Supreme Court rulings: “A criminal charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.”

Christopher Garrett Allen, 27, of Ottumwa, Iowa. Photo provided by the Ottumwa Police Department.

– This information was provided in a news release from the Ottumwa Police Department on March 6, 2018.

‘No Danger’ at Knoxville Schools After Threat Investigation

(KNOXVILLE, Iowa) – A possible threat to Knoxville High School reported early last Wednesday turned out to be false after a student posted photos of a fake gun to her social media.

At approximately 8:15 a.m. on February 28, Knoxville Police School Resource Officer Keller was notified of a possible threat to the high school when at least two students reported seeing a post on social media outlet Snapchat last Tuesday evening from another student at Knoxville High School.

According to a news release sent by the Knoxville Police Department, the Snapchat post was of what appeared to be an assault rifle with the caption “Coming soon to high school.” Authorities know who posted the content and have said that they interviewed the student. The weapon in the post was also located and found to be a plastic toy. Law enforcement officials say that there was no danger to any person at any time during this incident.

As a result, a 16-year-old female was charged with violating 708A.5 Threat of Terrorism, a class D felony. The suspect was taken into custody and then transported to a secure juvenile holding facility. Since she is a juvenile, the name of the suspect has not been release. Reminder: A charge is not an indication of guilt and all suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Anyone that perceives a threat or sees something suspicious is reminded to always contact local law enforcement authorities. Knoxville Community School District officials say the district will continue to pursue additional safety precautions and appreciate the support of the Knoxville community and partnership with the Knoxville Police Department.

By Hailey Brown, KBOE/KMZN

Des Moines Man Pleads Guilty to Firearms Offenses

(Des Moines, Iowa) – On February 22, David Marken Aikoriegie, of Des Moines, appeared in federal court and pleaded guilty to charges related to a series of gun store burglaries in the Des Moines area, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum.

Aikoriegie pleaded guilty to three counts of stealing a firearm from a federal firearm licensee and one count of unlawful possession, receipt, and sale of a stolen firearm. Aikoriegie admitted he stole three firearms from JLM Gun Shoppe in Urbandale on November 16, 2017; ten firearms from Rangemasters in Clive on December 2, 2017; and eleven firearms from Rangemasters on December 14, 2017. He also admitted to selling one of those stolen firearms to another person on December 16, 2017. A sentencing date has not been scheduled at this time.

This investigation was conducted by the Clive Police Department; United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Des Moines Police Department; and Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

 

Update: Death Investigation Underway in Oskaloosa

Update: This article has been updated to reflect information provided during a news conference with the Oskaloosa Police Department at 11:30 AM on Friday, March 2.

(OSKALOOSA, Iowa) – An investigation is underway after a man died last night following a stabbing incident in Oskaloosa. Oskaloosa Police Chief Jake McGee, along with Iowa DCI investigator Mike Motsinger, have confirmed the death of William Penn University student Marquis Todd. Officials said during a news conference that Todd was stabbed after a minor vehicular accident on North 3rd Street in Oskaloosa on Thursday night. Todd’s friends then took him to the Jiffy gas station in Oskaloosa. No one has been taken into custody yet and the investigation is ongoing. Law enforcement did not provide any names of persons of interest during the time of the news conference.

University officials confirmed the death of Todd via a letter signed by University President John Ottosson, which was published by KCCI:

Dear Penn Family,

I write this note with a heavy heart. Last night, there was an incident in town that led to the death of a member of one of our family, student Marquis Todd. Details of the incident are still unfolding and under investigation. It is known that the other individuals in this incident were not affiliated with the University.

The University is cooperating fully with the Oskaloosa Police Department with their investigation and in turn, the OPD is keeping the University apprised of the situation as details unfold.

William Penn University Counseling Services, Campus Ministry, and Crisis Intervention Services will be on campus today and will be available to students, faculty, and staff. For more information regarding these resources, please contact Tyne Smith at smitht@wmpenn.edu or 641-673-1703. Her office of located on the main floor of the Dana M. Atkins Memorial Union. To contact Campus Ministry for support, please call Ron Bryan at 641-660-9717.

Sincerely,
John Ottosson
President
William Penn University

The Iowa DCI is assisting the Oskaloosa Police Department in the investigation.

By Hailey Brown & Emery Songer, KBOE/KMZN

Oskaloosa Police Chief Jake McGee and DCI investigator Mike Motsinger hold a press conference on March 2, 2018. Photo by Emery Songer.

Magistrate Thompson Resigns, Crookham-Johnson Tapped to Fill Role

(MAHASKA COUNTY, Iowa) – Last Friday, the Mahaska County Magistrate Appointing Commission met and appointed Diane Crookham-Johnson to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Magistrate Amber Thompson. According to a news release sent by the 8th Judicial District Court Administration, this appointment goes into effect March 9.

Crookham-Johnson will continue to maintain a law practice in Oskaloosa focused on family and juvenile law. However, the news release does not disclose information about Magistrate Thompson’s resignation.

A fourth-generation attorney in Mahaska County, Crookham-Johnson is quoted in the news release saying, “I look forward to serving the community in this new role.”

Crookham-Johnson graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor’s Degree in 1988. After a twenty-year career in manufacturing, she returned to school and earned her law degree from Drake University School of Law in 2010.

This information was provided in a news release sent by Cathy Reck, Administrative Secretary of the 8th Judicial District Court Administration.

Two Dead After Robbery/Car Crash in Ottumwa

(OTTUMWA, Iowa) – Two people are dead after an armed robbery and car crash last night in Ottumwa, according to authorities.

On Monday, February 26, at about 8:00 PM, the Ottumwa Police Department responded to the 1800 Block of Greenwood on a report that a pizza delivery driver had been robbed.

Upon their arrival, the victim was identified as Christian Garrett, 21, of Ottumwa. Garrett reported that after delivering a pizza in the area, he was assaulted by a man who stole the vehicle that Garrett was driving at the time of the assault. Garrett also had his face cut with a sharp instrument by the assailant during the robbery. Due to the nature of the event, Garrett was transported to Ottumwa Regional Health Center with non-life threatening injuries.

Shortly after the robbery was reported, a motor vehicle accident involving two vehicles was also reported near the intersection of HWY 34 and County Road T 61. According to the OPD news release, it was determined that the vehicle stolen from Garrett was involved. The suspect that was driving the stolen vehicle died as a result of injuries sustained in the collision. The other vehicle that was involved in the accident was occupied by one person and that person also died as a result of the incident.

The Iowa State Patrol in is charge of the motor vehicle accident investigation and the names of the suspect and the driver of the other motor vehicle involved in the accident will be released after next of kin has been notified.

By Hailey Brown, KBOE/KMZN

Ottumwa BP Robbed at Gunpoint

(Ottumwa, Iowa) – Ottumwa police are looking for information after an armed robbery at the BP Service Station in Ottumwa. According to a news release sent by the Ottumwa Police Department, a clerk reported that the BP Service Station located at 1301 N. Court was robbed at gunpoint around 8:00 PM on Sunday, Feb. 18.

According to the release, a clerk reported that a male had entered the store displaying a handgun and demanded money. The clerk said the robber then stole money from the cash drawer. Unfortunately, the release stated that the thief wore clothing that would conceal his identity during the incident, therefore no details about his appearance have been released, aside from two photos taken from surveillance footage.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Ottumwa Police Department at 641-683-0661.

Readers should be advised that a criminal charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

By Hailey Brown, KBOE/KMZN
Photo provided by the Ottumwa Police Department.

Two from Newton Facing Theft Charges After Investigation

(JASPER COUNTY, Iowa)–On Monday, Feb. 12, after a lengthy investigation, the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office was able to arrest two subjects for multiple thefts and related charges.

Charles Loudermilk, age 49, of Newton, was one of the two subjects arrested. Deputies had an active arrest warrant for Loudermilk, as well as additional charges of burglary. Deputies attempted to stop Loudermilk, but he tried to flee, driving through a ditch. Deputies used legal intervention and stopped Loudermilk. The vehicle Loudermilk was operating was reported stolen in Jasper County on Dec. 24, 2017. Inside the vehicle, Deputies recovered a firearm. Loudermilk was taken into custody and transported to the Jasper County Jail.

A second vehicle in the area attempted to elude deputies. The vehicle was eventually stopped in the 6800 block of Cone Street. The driver, identified as Kristen Miller, age 34, of Newton, was also arrested and transported to the Jasper County Jail.

During the last several months, numerous burglaries were reported by residents of Jasper County. Vehicles, construction equipment, trailers, tools, horse tack and other personal items were reported stolen.

Based upon information developed during the investigation, a search warrant was executed Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018 at a residence in Reasnor, in Jasper County. During the search, Deputies recovered stolen property from some of these reported burglaries. The property recovered was valued at approximately $125,000. Deputies have identified some of the owners of the property. Property reported stolen from Poweshiek County was also recovered at this location. Additional follow up is being conducted in identifying all of the property recovered.

Loudermilk was charged with: Theft 1st Degree (property in excess of $10,000) – Class C Felony Theft 2nd Degree – possession of stolen vehicle – Class D Felony Possession of firearm by a felon – Class D Felony.
Loudermilk is being held on No Bond. He is also being held on a previous five year prison sentence (Iowa Department of Corrections), after he failed to turn himself in to authorities.

Miller was charged with: Theft 2nd degree – Class D Felony Carrying Weapons – Aggravated Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana – Serious Misdemeanor Possession of a Controlled Substance (2 counts) – Serious Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia- Simple Misdemeanor. Miller had a bond set by a judge at $5,000.

Follow up investigation continues and additional criminal charges against the subjects are pending. Information from the public, along with assistance from the Newton Police Department and MINE EAST Task Force, allowed investigators to focus on these two subjects.

Anyone with additional information in reference to this investigation or reported burglaries is encouraged to contact the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office.

Criminal charges against both subjects are merely allegations and they should be considered innocent until proven guilty.

– This information is from a news release provided by the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department.

Drugs, Weapons Seized During Ottumwa Traffic Stop

(Ottumwa, Iowa) – In the early hours of Tuesday, Feb. 13, the Ottumwa Police Department performed a traffic stop on a vehicle near the intersection of Ferry and Chester in Ottumwa.

According to a news release, officers seized controlled substances and a loaded handgun as a result of this stop. The following people were arrested and charged with the following crimes:

Ryan Lawrence Gillen, 22, of Ottumwa, was arrested for: Possession with the Intent to Deliver More Than 5 Grams of Methamphetamine, a Class “B” Felony; Failure to Affix a Drug Tax Stamp, a Class “D” Felony; Carrying Weapons, an Aggravated Misdemeanor; Driving While Barred, an Aggravated Misdemeanor.

Theresa Ann Lomax, 43, of Ottumwa, was arrested for: Possession with the Intent to Deliver More Than 5 Grams of Methamphetamine, a Class “B” Felony; Failure to Affix a Drug Tax Stamp, a Class “D” Felony; Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, a Class “D” Felony; Prohibited Acts, Possession of Marijuana, a Serious Misdemeanor; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a Simple Misdemeanor.

Disclaimer: A charge is merely an accusation and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

By Hailey Brown, KBOE/KMZN

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