Police blotter – September 2019

Following are excerpts of activities reported by the Jefferson police department:

Monday, Sept.30: At 9:05 am a resident advised she had captured a stray dog in the 600 block of S. Olive St. The animal placed the dog in the animal holding facility. At 3:55 pm an officer was requested to meet with a juvenile male at Greene County Middle School. The juvenile reported another male juvenile had pushed him off of his bike and then rode away with it. The officer is investigating. At 10:15 pm an officer investigated a traffic accident in the 300 block of W. Sunset Rd. Ashlee Harmeyer of Jefferson was eastbound driving a 2006 Lincoln Zephyr owned by Ronald Tasler of Jefferson. Garrett Tasler of Jefferson was following her in a 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix owned by Ryan Tasler of Jefferson when he struck the rear of Harmeyer’s vehicle. Damage to the front of the Grand Pirx was estimated at $5,000. Garrett Tasler was cited for fail to stop in assured clear distance ahead. The Lincoln was not damaged.

Sunday, Sept 29: At 12:16 pm a complainant reported a lost/stolen handgun from a residence in the 300 block of Rushview Drive. The officer is investigating. At 2:37 pm staff at Casey’s General Store reported a middle-aged male came into the business and advised the clerk he worked for the Casey’s Cooperation. He advised the clerk he was conducting a test of their equipment and made 10 purchases of cigarettes. Each time he paid for the cigarettes with a debit card and requested $20 in cash back. The clerk found this suspicious. The officer has identified the male and is investigating in anything illegal occurred. At 5:35 pm a complainant reported noticing an apartment door had been damaged in the 1200 block of Westwood Drive. The renter is currently incarcerated in another county. The door appeared to have been kicked in, causing damage to it. The officer is waiting to hear back from the renter about the issue. ***** Officers issued seven parking violation notices for street sweeping violations.

Saturday, Sept. 28: at 8:43 am a resident reported a dead deer in the roadway in the 1700 block of S. Elm St. The officer removed the carcass from the roadway and advised the DOT so it can be removed from the area. At 12:46 pm staff at Oly’’s Corner reported a gas drive off in the amount of $61. The officer will watch any available video and investigate the reported event. At 11:25 pm a traffic stop was performed on a vehicle that had a front headlight out in the 100 block of E. Washington St. The officer’s investigation led to the arrest of Bruce Kevin Binkley, 58, of Jefferson for operating while intoxicated- first offense (serious misdemeanor)*. He was also cited for improper use of driving lights.

Friday, Sept. 27: Routine activity reported.

Thursday, Sept. 26: At 10:45 am an officer responded to Greene County Elementary School to assist staff with a theft complaint involving a juvenile. At 12:13 pm an officer assisted the Jefferson fire department with a fire at Landus Cooperative. Greene County Ambulance assisted as well. At 3:59 pm an officer responded to a traffic accident in the 600 block of W. State St. Kenneth Aldrich backed a 2004 GMC Sonoma pickup truck into the driver’s side rear door of a legally parked 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer owned by Brian Mobley. Aldrich was cited for failure to maintain control. Damage to his vehicle was estimated at $1,000. Damage to Mobley’s vehicle was estimated at $3,000.  ***** On 9/25 a complainant reported an assault that occurred at Russell Park. As a result of the investigation an arrest warrant has been issued for Caitlyn Day, 26, of Jefferson for assault- simple and criminal mischief- third degree (aggravated misdemeanor)*.

Wednesday, Sept. 25: At 10:05 am officers responded to Sparky’s for a male that had been loitering there periodically for three weeks. The officers removed him from the property. At 2:05 pm a complainant reported trespassing in the 500 block of N. Vine St. At 3:09 pm staff at Sparky’s spoke with an officer about drug paraphernalia that was located in the parking lot of the business. At 5:15 pm a complainant reported an assault in the 300 block of N. Wilson Ave. An officer is investigating. At 8:16 pm a complainant reported a trespass complaint at the Greene County Fairgrounds. Two individuals were escorted off the property. At 8:22 pm a complainant reported an assault that took place at Russell Park. An officer is investigating.

Tuesday, Sept. 24: At 8:36 am staff at Greene County Elementary School requested an officer for a theft complaint. A 9-year-old male student had stolen items valued at $5 from the book fair without paying for them. The officer has sent a charge of theft- fifth degree to juvenile court for the student. At 11:54 am a caller requested a welfare check on domestic rabbits in an outdoor cage at a residence in the 500 block of S. Cedar St. The officer spoke to the resident and was allowed to view the animals. The animals were in good condition and had clean water and food present. The officer did advise the owner that the manure generated needed to be removed from the property. He advised he would check back in a few days to ensure the issue had been taken care of. At 2:24 pm officers were sent to the municipal building for an unruly customer. The male had left before the officers arrived; he was contacted by phone and advised he is no longer welcome in the building. At 5:02 pm a complainant reported criminal mischief that had occurred at a residence in the 800 block of W. State St. Three tires on two different vehicles had been punctured. The officer estimated the replacement of the three tires at $300. It is unknown when the damage occurred.

Monday, Sept.  23: Routine activity reported.

Sunday, Sept. 22: At 7:47 am a complainant reported the theft of $3 in quarters from his vehicle while it was parked overnight in the 200 block of N. Olive St. At 2:19 pm a traffic stop of a speeding vehicle in the 1500 block of 235th St resulted in the arrest of Laurann Joyce Perry, 23, of Perry for driving while barred- aggravated misdemeanor*. She was also cited for speed. At 5:22 pm a resident reported an opossum in a window well at a residence in the 1000 block of N. Wilson Ave. The officer captured the animal and released it outside of the city.

Saturday, Sept. 21: At 1:19 am an officer located a parked vehicle with its lights on in the high school parking lot. As the officer spoke to the three occupants, he detected the odor of alcohol coming from inside the vehicle. A probable cause search was conducted and an open container of alcohol and a bottle of alcohol in a bag were located in the rear seat floor area of the vehicle. No one would take ownership of the alcohol when asked by the officer. Two juveniles and one 18-year-old male were placed in custody for possession of alcohol under legal age. The juveniles were also cited for curfew violation. At 7:33 pm an officer was advised of two male subjects walking near S. Maple and W. Harrison Sts passing a smoking device back and forth. The complainant advised he could smell marijuana as he passed the subjects. The officer located the two subjects and spoke with them. Both admitted the cigar they were smoking contained marijuana. The officer seized the cigar for lab testing. Charges are pending the results of testing. At 10:39 pm a complainant reported a vehicle in the north ditch on S. Grimmell Rd near Meadow Ave. The officer located the vehicle and determined the driver had lost control and overcorrected, causing the vehicle to skid off the roadway. The officer made contact with the driver at his residence. Adam Pederson of Jefferson was cited for failure to maintain control.

Friday, Sept. 20: At 9:29 am a complainant reported a stray dog at a residence in the 600 block of Rushview Drive. The officer placed the animal in the animal holding facility. At 12:27 pm a complainant reported an injured cat in the 600 block of S. Chestnut St. The officer took the cat to the Jefferson Vet Clinic to be euthanized. At 6:04 pm an officer assisted the Jefferson fire department with a fire of a propane tank on a grill. No injuries or damage were reported. At 6:27 pm a traffic stop at the intersection of N. Oak and W. Clark Sts led to the arrest of Joel Robert Simpson, 64, of Jefferson for operating while intoxicated- third or subsequent offense (Class D felony)*. He was also cited for driving while suspended, failure to provide proof of financial liability, and operation without registration. At 9:32 pm an officer cited Robert Lenchanko of Jefferson for littering after witnessing the offense in the 700 block of S. Walnut St.

Thursday, Sept. 19: At 6:57 am an officer began investigating a violation of a no contact order between Ryan Patterson, 38, and Nicole Borkowski, 34. As a result, arrest warrants have been requested for both for violation of a no contact order (simple misdemeanor)*. At 11:07 am an officer responded to Greene County Elementary School to take a report of a theft that had occurred. A student at the school had stolen gum from a teacher’s purse on several different occasions. The student was referred to the juvenile court officer. At 11:55 am city staff reported theft of services from three properties; 902 N. Pinet St, 1006 N. Walnut St, and 702 W. Mahlon St. The city water had been turned off at the residences for non-payment but had been turned back on. An officer is investing. At 2:15 pm a complainant reported damage to a bicycle at a residence in the 500 block of N. Grimmell Rd. An officer is investigating.

Wednesday, Sept. 18: At 9:16 am a complainant reported a possible hit and run accident that may have occurred at one of two locations in Jefferson. The accident caused $50 to the front end of a blue 2000 Chevy S-10 pickup. An officer is investigating.

Tuesday, Sept. 17: At 1:05 am an officer performed a traffic stop with a speeding vehicle in the 1800 block of N. Elm St. The officer’s investigation led to the arrest of Garrett Lee Rysavy, 21, of Jefferson for operating while intoxicated- first offense (serious misdemeanor)*. He was also cited for failure to provide proof of financial liability and excessive speed. At 1:26 pm an officer responded to a two-vehicle collision in the parking lot at A & W Family Restaurant. Larry Anderson of Jefferson was driving his 2013 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck when he struck a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado owned and being driven by James Vaughn of Yale in the drive-through lane. Damage to Vaughn’s vehicle was estimated at $1,500. Damage to Anderson’s vehicle was estimated at $500. At 11:36 pm officers were called to a residence in the 100 block of E. Central Ave for a reported sex assault. The officers are investigated the reported event.

Monday, Sept. 16: At 9:17 am An officer removed a bat from Horak Law Office. At 8:47 pm staff at the Jefferson public library reported a male juvenile throwing rocks at a light post at the library. After speaking to the juvenile, a parent, and the librarian, it was decided the young man would not be allowed at the library for 30 days.

Sunday, Sept. 15: Routine activity reported.

Saturday, Sept. 14: At 2:21 am an officer performed a traffic stop in the 1700 block of Westwood Drive after witnessing a driver fail to obey a stop sign. The officer’s investigation led to the arrest of Christopher Michael Andrew, 22, of Scranton for operating while intoxicated- first offense (serious misdemeanor)*. He was also cited for failure to obey stop sign and failure to provide proof of financial liability. At 8:38 am a complaint reported the death of his 4-year-old pit bull. The dog had become ill and he had rushed it to a veterinarian in Ames where the animal died. The vet suspects the animal may have been poisoned and is conducting tests. The officer is awaiting test results before proceeding with an investigation. At 12:30 pm a complainant reported a possible violation of a no contact order. An officer is investigating. At 4:59 pm officers were requested at a residence in the 300 block of N. Chestnut St for an unwanted male at the door. The male had left the area before the officer arrived. The male had been previously told not to return to the address. Trespass charges are pending at this time.

Friday, Sept. 13: At 11:02 am a complainant reported damage to his vehicle while it was parked overnight in the 300 block of N. Oak St. Someone entered the unlocked 2003 Ford Explorer and damage the steering column in attempts to start the vehicle without a key. The officer estimated the damage at $500. Items were gathered from the vehicle for fingerprinting. At 12:51 pm an employee at Dollar General reported witnessing a possible violation of a no contact order. The officer learned an employee is the protected party in an order of protection. A male was seen leaving a flower on the employee’s vehicle. Officers located the male. James Leon Cunningham, 44, of Jefferson was arrested for violation of a protective order (simple misdemeanor)*. At 1:08 pm staff at Greene County Elementary requested an officer for a fourth grader who was out of control. The officer assisted school staff with diffusing the situation. At 4:53 pm a complainant reported several children riding a golf cart in a careless manner in the 200 block of N. Pinet St. The officer made contact with the juveniles and contacted their parents about the issue. At 9:13 pm an officer removed a bat from a residence in the 600 block of S. Olive St. At 9:22 pm a complainant reported a juvenile with a vape pen at the entrance to the school football field. The officer spoke to the male juvenile who advised an unknown female juvenile had the vaping device and was now gone from the area. At 10:46 pm a complainant reported barking dogs at a residence in the 700 block of N. Cedar St. The officer spoke to the animals’ owner about the issue.

Thursday, Sept. 12: At 8:02 am a complainant reported criminal mischief involving damage to a 1999 Buick Regal in the 200 block of N. Wilson Ave. At 9:27 am staff at the congregate meal site on W. Greenewood Rd reported a dog running at large. At 10:02 am staff at Casey’s General Store reported harassment involving a male who was continuously and intentionally calling Casey’s pizza phone line to cause an annoyance. At 10:44 am a property owner reported a theft at a rental residence in the 300 block of N. Vine St after completing an eviction of a tenant. The stolen items included the furnace / AC unit, valued at $7,000, and the water heater, also valued at $7,000. An officer is investigating. At 12:31 pm a complainant reported the theft of a tablet, valued at $400, from a residence in the 300 block of N. Chestnut St. An officer is investigating.

Wednesday, Sept. 11: At 1:09 pm a complainant reported a theft of a cell phone from a residence in the 300 block of N. Chestnut St. An officer is investigating. At 7:24 pm an officer transported a small kitten from the 300 block of S. Maple St to the animal holding facility. At 7:54 pm an officer removed a bat from a residence in the 600 block of N. Chestnut St.

Tuesday, Sept. 10: At 6:33 pm an officer arrested George Jason Zepp, 41, of Jefferson for an outstanding Jefferson PD arrest warrant for possession of marijuana (serious misdemeanor) and possession of drug paraphernalia (simple misdemeanor)*.

Monday, Sept. 9: At 9:26 am management at Power Lift reported being the victim of a fraud in Georgia. A company ordered $102,990 of cardio equipment. The equipment was delivered to a Georgia address. After the delivery was made, the ordering company advised their company had not ordered the equipment nor received it. This is part of a nationwide scam, which has occurred to several companies such as Power Lift nationwide. The authorities in Georgia are working on this fraud case. ***** Officers issued seven parking violation notices for street sweeping violations on the courthouse square.

Sunday, Sept. 8: *****As a result of a traffic stop on 7/27 a probable cause search was performed on the vehicle after an officer could detect the smell of marijuana. The driver, Brandon Frederiksen, 26, of Omaha, was with is fiancé and 2-year-old son. During the search, the officer located suspected marijuana, drug paraphernalia and Oxycodone and Xanax pills in the vehicle. The items were tested with positive results. Frederiksen had been convicted in Nebraska for possession of marijuana in 2013. As a result, arrest warrants have been requested for Frederiksen for child endangerment (aggravated misdemeanor), possession of marijuana- second offense and two counts of possession of a controlled substance (serious misdemeanors), and possession of drug paraphernalia (simple misdemeanor)*.

Saturday, Sept.7: At 2:41 pm an officer transported a dog to the animal holding facility. The dog was running at large in the 200 block of East Lincoln Way.

Friday, Sept. 6: At 1:16 am an officer responded to a residence in the 400 block of E. State St for a bat in the residence. At 11:40 am an officer responded to city hall for a harassment complaint. At 2:30 pm staff at Casey’s General Store requested assistance with locating a customer who did not pay for his gasoline. At 3:49 pm an officer responded to the high school parking lot for a two-vehicle accident. Luis Carlos Velazco was eastbound n the parking lot. Gabrielle No Last Name Given was backing from a parking space and struck the passenger side front door of Velazco’s 2007 Toyota Corolla. Damage to that vehicle was estimated at $700. Damage to Gabrielle’s 1999 Acura 3.2 TL was estimated at $500. At 5:25 pm staff at Oly’s Corner requested assistance with locating a customer who did not pay for his gasoline. At7:44 pm as an officer was following up with an investigation at a residence in the 900 block of W. Harrison St he could detect the odor of marijuana coming from the residence. The officer asked the individuals living at the residence to hand over any marijuana that may have inside the residence. The two individuals, April Hose and George Zepp, provided the officer with a glass container containing suspected marijuana. Charges are pending lab results of the suspected marijuana. At 10:31 pm an officer responded to a residence in the 900 block of W. Lincoln Way for a bat in the residence.

Thursday, Sept. 5: At 12:42 am an officer responded to a residence in the 300 block of N. Wilson Ave for a bat in the residence. 305 North Wilson Avenue for a bat in the residence. At 6:65 am an officer responded to a residence in the 300 block of S. Grimmell Rd for a bat in the residence. At 11 am an officer responded to a residence in the 400 block of W. Madison St for an abandoned bicycle. At 3:07 pm a complainant reported the theft of a watch from a residence in the 300 block of N. Chestnut St. An officer is investigating.

Wednesday, Sept. 4: At 6:23 am a complainant spoke with an officer about harassment. An officer is investigating. At 10:25 am a complainant reported being assaulted by a known person. An officer is investigating. At 1:59 pm an officer assisted the Adair County sheriff’s office with an investigation of an incident involving an airplane. At 3:02 pm an officer removed a bat from Horak Law Offices. Between 4:34 and 7:43 pm officers responded to three dog-related calls.

Tuesday, Sept. 3: At 7:17 pm officers were called to a residence in the 500 block of E. Lincoln Way for a reported argument between family members. Officers arrived and spoke to several people at the residence. The officer’s learned a grandmother had arrived at the residence to pick up her 17-year-old grandson. He did not wish to leave and an argument started. In the argument, the 17-year-old male slapped his younger sister. The officer arrested the 17-year-old male and sent a juvenile charge of assault- simple to juvenile court. Kayden Nelson of Jefferson was cited for minor using vapor product*. At 7:58 pm a complainant reported a known Jefferson female was slandering her on the Internet. The officer advised the complainant this is not a criminal matter and advised her to speak to an attorney. At 8:35 pm an officer removed a bat from a residence in the 400 block of E. Lincoln Way. At 8:45 pm a complainant reported his motorcycle was stolen from a residence in the 500 block of S. Maple St. The officer located the motorcycle a few houses away. The officer determined the complainant was intoxicated and had most likely parked it there and forgotten where it was.

Monday, Sept. 2: Officers were called to residences in the 400 block of S. Olive St, the 300 block of S. Grimmell Rd, and the 200 block of W. Madison St for bats in the house. The officer located the bat on S. Olive St but was unable to locate the other two.

Sunday, Sept. 1: At 5:54 am an officer responded for a bat in a house in the 300 block of S. Grimmell Rd. At 6:33 am an officer responded to Highway 30 and Gallup Rd for a dog that had been struck by a vehicle.

*Note: All charges are merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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