Following are excerpts of activities reported by the Jefferson police department:
- Saturday, Dec. 31: At 10:18 am members of the Kingdom Hall at 1701 N. Elm St reported a burglary occurring to a shed on the property. Subjects forced the locked shed open and removed power lawn tools. The officer is investigating. At 4:27 pm an officer investigated a two vehicle personal injury accident in the parking lot at Hy-Vee. Whitney Rose Devries of Greenfield collided with Shellie Lee Leesley of Cooper at the intersection in the middle of the parking lot. Devries’ 2006 Chrysler Town and Country van and Leesley’s 2003 Mercury Sable each sustained an estimated $2,000 in damage to the front end. A passenger in each vehicle complained of possible injuries. One subject was transported by Greene County Emergency Medical Services to be checked out. Devries was cited for failure to provide proof of financial liability. At 4:54 pm staff at Hy-Vee reported the theft of alcohol from the store. The officer will be provided video surveillance and has a suspect. The investigation continues.
Friday, Dec. 30: At 5:21 pm an officer investigated a two vehicle property damage accident at N. Elm and W. Reed St. Lucas Svoboda of Guthrie Center was driving a 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse, following a 2001 Toyota Camry, owned and operated by Lucinda Friess of Jefferson, on the inside southbound lane of Elm St. Friess slowed down to turn east on Reed St. Svoboda did not see Friess slowing down and rear ended the vehicle. Svoboda was cited for failure to maintain control. Damage to his vehicle was estimated at $5,000. Damage to the rear of Friess’s vehicle was estimated at $3,000. At 10:25 pm an officer arrested Brandon Lee Kious, 33, of Jefferson on an outstanding Story County arrest warrant on a probation violation on an original charge of operating while intoxicated- second offense*.
Thursday, Dec. 29: More Jefferson residents have reported the “Grandchild Phone Scam.” Older residents have been receiving calls from people claiming to be grandchildren in need of money. You are asked to go to HyVee and send money via Western Union. Please verify any requests made by phone with other family members before sending money to anyone. As of yet, no one has reported to have incurred a loss to the scam in Jefferson. At 4:40 pm a resident caught a stray dog in the 600 block of S. Olive St. The officer placed the animal in the animal holding facility. At 6 pm officers performed a traffic stop near County Road E-53 and Deer Run that resulted in the arrest of Timothy John Schrum, 32, of Atlantic for driving while license barred and cited for driving on wrong side of two way highway*. At 6:06 pm officers were requested at a residence in the 500 block of N. Cedar St for a domestic situation. Officers made contact with a female and male at the residence. The officers determined the couple had been involved in a verbal argument. Tanner Dutch Kuehl, 27, of Woodward was arrested for numerous Polk County arrest warrants for probation violations*. At 10:59 pm officers were called to the alley in the 300 block of N. Chestnut St for a report of screaming. The officer made contact with a female who advised she had been assaulted by known male, but he had fled the scene. The officer is working to locate any witnesses to the reported assault.
Wednesday, Dec. 28: At 10:45 am a complainant reported a burglary at an unoccupied rental property in the 300 block of N. Wilson. Copper piping and wiring had been removed. The officer is investigating. At 2:22 pm while on patrol an officer spotted a female for whom he knew there were outstanding arrest warrants. The officer placed Christina Lynn Owens in custody for the two JPD arrest warrants for theft- fifth degree (simple misdemeanor)*. The charges stem from shoplifting events on Dec. 22 at Hy-Vee and Kum & Go on Dec. 9. At 6:04 several Jefferson residents reported receiving scam phone calls from subjects advising they were grandchildren and needed money. All were advised to go to the Hy-Vee store and send the money by Western Union. No one that reported receiving the calls had incurred a loss and did not give out personal information. Residents need to be aware of the tactics scammers are using and never send money without checking with the family members allegedly involved.
Tuesday, Dec. 27: At 11:35 am a subject dropped off at the LEC a stray dog they had found running loose. The officer placed the animal in the animal holding facility. At 6:10 pm JPD officers and Greene County deputies assisted a Carroll PD officer with the execution of a search warrant at 203 E. Perry St. Suspected stolen property, narcotic items, and offensive weapons were removed from the residence. The investigation continues at this time with future pending charges expected.
Monday, Dec. 26: At 9:18 am staff at Kum & Go requested assistance from an officer with two customers who were not charged by the clerk for their fuel purchases. The events had occurred on Dec. 22 and Dec. 23. At 9:31 am officers were requested for a home burglary in the 1400 block of N. Elm St. Unknown subject(s) had used force to gain entry into the residence. The residence was in disarray after the subject(s) had rifled through the rooms. The officer removed evidence from the scene and is investigating. At 11:34 pm a complainant called an officer to a residence in the 500 block of N. Chestnut St after finding suspected narcotic-related items in her juvenile son’s possession. The officer is investigating.
Sunday, Dec. 25: At 8:34 am an officer assisted the Greene County sheriff’s office with attempting to locate a snowmobile that was reportedly submerged in the Raccoon River on 237th St. The officer did not locate anything in the area.
Saturday, Dec. 24: At 12:44 am a complainant reported barking dogs in the 400 block of S. Locust St. An officer spoke with the dogs’ owners and fixed the issue. At 9:37 am an officer responded to a gas drive-off at Kum & Go. The officer is investigating. At 11:49 am an officer responded to Casey’s General Store (N. Elm St) for a gas drive off. The officer is investigating. At 12:32 pm an officer responded to an accident in the 1500 block of Meadow Lane at the request of a deputy, as the deputy was busy with another accident. Anthony Cook was westbound on Meadow Lane driving his 1991 Dodge Dakota. Sydney Schiltz was eastbound driving a 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer. Cook lost control of his vehicle and struck the left back door of Schiltz’s vehicle, causing an estimated $700 in damage. Damage to the front driver side bumper of Cook’s vehicle was estimated at $200. Cook was cited for failure to maintain control. At 1:45 pm a complainant reported someone had applied for a credit card in his name. An officer is investigating. At 10:29 pm an officer assisted the West Des Moines police department with locating a subject in their jurisdiction who was having suicidal thoughts.
Friday, Dec. 23: At 7:49 am an officer responded to a one vehicle accident in the 600 block of East Lincoln Way. Amber Green of Perry was westbound when she lost control of her vehicle due to road conditions. She struck a speed limit sign. Green was cited for failure to maintain control. Damage to her 1998 Jeep Cherokee was estimated at $600. At 9:02 am an officer was dispatched to Wild Rose Casino for a traffic accident on private property. Wild Rose Casino employee George Zepp of Jefferson was removing snow from the parking lot when he sideswiped a vehicle with the snow removal attachment on the front of a lawnmower. Damage to the front bumper of the vehicle, a 2012 Ford Escape owned by Lavonne Ankrum of Urbandale, was estimated at $700. At 9:42 am an officer assisted the Greene County sheriff’s office with a vehicle that had entered the ditch due to road conditions on the “S” curve south of Jefferson on Highway 4. Upon the officer’s arrival the driver was able to drive the vehicle out of the ditch. At 4:04 pm an officer responded to Don’s Ace Hardware for the theft of socket wrenches. The officer is investigating. At 6 pm a complainant spoke with an officer about being harassed via text messages. At 8:06 pm an officer assisted the Ames police department with a possible theft in their jurisdiction that has ties to Jefferson. **** Twelve citations were issued for parking- snow ordinance.
Thursday, Dec. 22: At 10:37 am staff at Hy-Vee reported a theft of alcohol. The officer is investigating. At 3:10 pm a complainant reported the theft of a television from a residence in the 600 block of W. Adams St. The complainant provided the officer a suspect and the officer is investigating. At 10:48 pm a caller advised of a large pothole in the 400 block of N. Elm St. The officer had the information relayed to the Iowa DOT.
Wednesday, Dec. 21: At 3:17 pm staff at The Hairem advised of a vehicle with teens inside parked in the 200 block of S. Wilson; the teens were acting inappropriately. The officer made contact with the teens and sent them on their way. At 3:25 pm an officer spoke to a representative of an owner of rental property in the 400 block of N. Vine St. Renters had recently moved from the property and left it damaged and in disarray. The officer requested more information to determine if it is a civil issue or criminal in nature.
Tuesday, Dec. 20: At 10:26 pm staff at Casey’s General Store (E. Lincoln Way) reported they had caught a stray dog near the business. The officer returned the animal to its owner as it had slipped its collar.
Monday, Dec. 19: At 2:26 pm an officer investigated a two vehicle property damage accident at Highway 30 and N. Elm St. Mariah Murphy of Sergeant Bluff was eastbound on Highway 30 driving a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck owned by Land O Lakes Inc. As she left the stop sign she struck a northbound 2012 Chevrolet Traverse driven and owned by Pat Griffin of Jefferson. Murphy was cited for failure to maintain control. Damage to the vehicle she was driving was estimated at $300. Damage to Griffin’s vehicle was estimated at $600. At 4:28 pm a complainant reported an overnight burglary to the auction building at 309 W. McKinley St. Unknown persons had entered the business and removed cash and other items. The officer is investigating. At 10:36 pm the Jefferson fire department and city public works employees responded to Daubendiek Park for a burning yard waste pile.
Sunday, Dec. 18: At 9:08 am a complainant reported her vehicle had been stolen from a residence in the 600 block of S. Chestnut St. The complainant had started the vehicle to warm up in her driveway. An unknown female knocked on her door and advised her that her male friend had just stolen the vehicle and to call police. Officers located the vehicle parked in a private driveway in the 500 block of N. Chestnut St at about 9:52 am. The officer followed footprints in the fresh snow from the parked vehicle to St Joseph Catholic Church. The male was located inside the church attending services. He was brought to the LEC for questioning. Howard James Natzel, 59, of Minneapolis, MN, was charged with operation without owner’s consent and driving without a valid driver’s licence*. At 11:31 am a complainant reported the theft of a handgun from a residence in the 500 block of N. Chestnut St. She noticed the weapon was missing from a drawer in her nightstand. The officer is investigating.
Saturday, Dec. 17: At 8:01 am an officer performed a traffic stop with a vehicle at 210th St and Neola Ave. The officer’s investigation led to the arrest of Lester Leroy Johns, 60, of Jefferson for driving while revoked.* At 2:25 pm an officer arrested Donald Coleman Bland II, 55, of Des Moines on an outstanding Boone County arrest warrant for failure to appear on a charge of driving while suspended. At 6:36 a complainant reported possible fraudulent charges on her debit card. The charges occurred in Washington state.
Friday, Dec. 16: At 10:30 am a Greene County Community Schools bud driver dropped off a school bus violation report for an officer to investigate. At 1:09 pm an officer investigated a two vehicle property damage accident at N. Pinet and W. Adams St. Hayley Brown of Jefferson was southbound on Pinet driving a 2005 Jeep Cherokee. Jerry Miller of Jefferson was westbound on Adams St driving a 1995 Chevrolet van. Miller did not yield the right of way. Brown attempted to stop but struck the ball hitch on Miller’s van, doing $800 in damage to her vehicle. Miller was cited for failure to yield to the vehicle on the right and failure to provide proof of financial liability. At 5:30 pm an officer investigated a two vehicle property damage accident in the 400 block of S. Chestnut St. Maryssa Pierson of Jefferson was southbound driving a 2008 Chevrolet Impala. She advised she attempted to answer her cell phone and struck a parked 2008 Ford Edge owned by Alisha Ebersole of Jefferson. Pierson was cited for failure to maintain control. Damage to her vehicle was estimated at $1,500. Damage to Ebersole’s vehicle was estimated at $600.
Thursday, Dec. 15: At 4:46 am a complainant requested assistance in locating her teenage children. The two juveniles were not home when she arrived there from work. The officer began checking with known friends and located the children at about 08:30 am. The complainant picked her children up from the LEC. At 10:12 am a complainant reported the theft of a bicycle from a residence in the 700 block of W. Adams St. At 11:45 am a complainant brought a kitten to the LEC she had found. The officer placed the animal in the holding facility. At 3:42 a complainant reported the theft of her son’s wallet, which contained cash and a debit card. An unauthorized attempt was made to purchase goods online with the card. The office is investigating.
Wednesday, Dec. 14: At 10:38 am an officer performed a requested welfare check on a dog in the 300 block of E. Madison St. He found the animal to have a heated water dish, food, and shelter. At 10:56 am an officer investigated a two vehicle property damage accident at N. Vine and W. Clark St. Diane Thomas of Scranton was northbound driving a 2001 Ford Escape on Vine St approaching the intersection with Clark St. Joshua Kennedy of Jefferson was westbound driving a 1991 Chevrolet K1500 on Clark St approaching the intersection with Vine St. Thomas failed to yield at the uncontrolled intersection. The front of Kennedy’s vehicle made contact with the front passenger side of Thomas’ vehicle. Thomas was cited for failure to yield to the vehicle on the right. Damage to her vehicle was estimated at $5,000. Damage to Kennedy’s vehicle was estimated at $3,000. Both vehicles were towed from the scene. At 5:18 pm a complainant reported a ditch fire in the 800 block of W. Clark St. The Jefferson fire department and the officer responded. It was believed to have been an unreported controlled burn of the ditch. ****** An arrest warrant has been issued in a theft reported on Dec. 9 at Kum & Go. Christina Lynn Owens, 31, of Jefferson has been charged with, theft- fifth degree (simple misdemeanor)*. ****** Arrest warrants have been served in the domestic incident reported on Dec. 10 in the 300 block of S. Pinet St. James Alan Watters, 50, of Jefferson has been booked and released on his own recognizance on charges of burglary- first degree (Class B felony), assault with intent to commit sexual abuse (Class D felony), intimidation with a dangerous weapon (Class C felony) and domestic abuse assault display or use of weapon (aggravated misdemeanor)*.
Tuesday, Dec. 13: At 3:31 pm a complainant reported items missing from her residence in the 700 block of W. Harrison St. She advised the officer of subjects who had some of her stolen property. The officer is investigating. At 4:04 pm staff at Regency Park reported an incident to an officer involving a patient there. The officer will forward the information to the Iowa Inspections and Appeals Office for an investigation. At 4:24 pm a complainant reported an attempted burglary to a garage in the 500 block of E. Clark St.
Monday, Dec. 12: At 12:20 pm a complainant requested assistance in locating her juvenile son, who had not shown up for school. Officers located the juvenile in the detached garage of their residence. The juvenile was fine. At 3:03 pm a complainant provided information to an officer about a possible perjury on court documents which occurred in Greene County. The officer is investigating.
Sunday, Dec. 11: At 2:03 am security at Wild Rose Casino requested an officer at there for an intoxicated male. The officer arrived and was shown to the male, who was passed out on the gaming floor. Alonso Prats Dionisio, 45, of Rockford, IL, was arrested for public intoxication (simple misdemeanor)*. At 2:41 am a deputy was busy with an intoxicated driver and requested a JPD officer to respond to a residence in the 600 block of N. 18th St in Grand Junction for a possible prowler in the basement. The officer arrived at the residence and did not locate anyone inside. At 8:38 am a complainant reported an overnight burglary to a unlocked vehicle parked in the 700 block of S. Oak St. Someone entered the unlocked vehicle and removed a purse and a bag containing change. At 3:57 pm an officer responded to a property damage accident at W. Monroe and S. High St. Shannon Hansen reported she had been westbound Monroe St approaching the intersection with High St driving her 2013 Infinity J35. An unknown smaller black passenger car was northbound on High St approaching the intersection. The unknown unit slid on the ice and did not yield the right of way to Hansen. Hansen swerved to avoid a collision. Her vehicle jumped the curb and struck the street sign, knocking it off its base. Hansen reported she did not see the plate on the other vehicle or get a look at the driver. The Hansen vehicle suffered a reported $500 in damage to the front end. *******Officers issued 15 snow emergency parking violations in Jefferson during the snow event.
Saturday, Dec. 10: At 3:54 am an officer spoke with a female adult who advised her estranged husband had entered her residence in the 300 block of S. Pinet St and held her against her will. The officer learned the male had used a family member’s key to gain entry to the rented residence. Once inside, he had held the female there against her will for an extended period of time. The two had struggled over a handgun the female possessed at the residence. The male gained control of the firearm and used the weapon to hold the female in her bedroom. The male shot one round through the roof of the structure and made threats to harm himself and the female during the event. The male eventually left the residence with the firearm and the female was able to summon police. The officer and a deputy accompanied the female to a residence in the 400 block of N. Maple St to remove the couple’s two juvenile children from their father’s residence. The male was not present at the residence. At about 07:30 am, after learning the male was now at his residence with the firearm, the Jefferson police department, with assistance from the Greene County sheriff’s office and the Iowa State Patrol, surrounded the residence at 406 North Maple St. An officer approached the residence and spoke with the male and was able to coax him outside. The male was taken to the Greene County Medical Center for evaluation. Charges will be requested through arrest warrants for the event. At 11:32 am an officer investigated a two vehicle property damage accident at Grimmell Rd and Westwood Drive. Tracy Robert Saffell of Jefferson was southbound on S. Grimmell driving a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck approaching the intersection with Westwood Drive. Ricky Michael Stephenson of Scranton was eastbound on Westwood Drive driving a 2013 Ford F150 pickup truck approaching the posted stop sign. As Stephenson slowed for the stop sign his vehicle began to slide. Saffell saw this and tried to slow and he also started to slide. Stephenson was able to stop, but seeing Saffell sliding toward him tried to get out of the way. The front driver side corner of Saffell’s vehicle made contact with the rear passenger side corner of the Stephenson vehicle. Minor damage was caused to both. Stephenson made contact with a utility pole before stopping. The utility pole was not damaged. Due to the slick conditions, and both drivers sharing in fault for the accident, the officer did not issue a citation. At 1:15 pm an officer responded to a two vehicle property damage accident in the parking lot at A & W Family Restaurant. Jonathan Dale Barker of Jefferson entered the lot from the south driving a 2002 Buick Rendezvous and was northbound in the lot. Alyssa Ann Baugh of Scranton had backed her 2005 Chevrolet Impala from a parking stall in the middle of the lot. The front of Barker’s vehicle struck the rear of Baugh’s vehicle. Barker was cited for failure to provide proof of financial liability- accident related. His vehicle had a reported $2,500 in damage, while the Baugh vehicle suffered a reported $1,500 in damages. At 1:17 pm an officer investigated a two vehicle property damage accident at the intersection of N. Maple and W. Adams St. Megan Rose Brooks of Jefferson was southbound driving a 2009 GMC Arcadia owned by Shaun Vande Kop. Alexander Bayliss of Cooper was eastbound on Adams St driving a 2008 Saturn Outlook owned by Christopher Brown. Brooks failed to yield to the vehicle on the right at the uncontrolled intersection. The front of the Brook’s vehicle made contact with the middle driver side of Bayliss. Brooks was cited for failure to yield to the vehicle on the right. Her vehicle sustained an estimated $2,000 in damage. Bayliss’s vehicle was totaled and was towed from the scene. At 3:04 pm a Taylor Christensen reported finding damage to her 2010 Toyota Camry after leaving it parked overnight in the parking lot at Camden Apartments at 102 S. Grimmell Rd. Damage to the driver’s side door was estimated at $300. The officer is investigating. At 3:30 pm staff at Regency Park reported the theft of prescription medications there. The officer is investigating.
Friday, Dec. 9: At 1:33 am the Boone County sheriff’s office requested Jefferson officers to look for a vehicle that had been involved in a hit and run accident in Boone County. The vehicle was registered to a subject from Greene County. At 7:43 am an officer investigated an accident involving a pedestrian at the intersection of E. Russell and S. Chestnut St. Tyler Allen Day of Jefferson was southbound on Chestnut driving a 1997 Saturn. He had not warmed up the vehicle nor scraped the windshield free of frost, which impaired his vision. He left the posted stop sign and struck a 10-year-old male crossing the intersection in the crosswalk. The child received very minor injuries and was taken to ER by a parent. Day’s vehicle suffered no damage. Day was cited for failure to yield to pedestrian. At 9:25 am an officer was requested at Kum & Go for a theft of merchandise. The officer was provided with video of the event which had occurred at 1:35 am. The officer is in the process of gathering arrest warrants for the female subject in the video. At 4:24 pm a complainant advised of a small dog in a vehicle parked at Wild Rose Casino. She advised the dog had been in the vehicle longer than two hours. The officer did not locate the animal. At 9:01 pm officer were requested at the Greene County Middle School gymnasium. Several female students were screaming harassing chants at a male basketball player. The officer diffused the situation and those involved were sent to their busses for the remainder of the game.
Thursday, Dec. 8: At 2:57 am an officer checked the area of N. Cedar and E. McKinley St after dispatch had received an abandoned 911 cellular call. The officer did not locate anyone in the area. At 8:40 pm a complainant spoke to an officer about a post that a former boyfriend had posted on social media. The complainant was advised to block the subject or close the account. Criminal harassment charges will not be filed over social media posts.
Wednesday, Dec. 7: At 4:12 am the sheriff’s office requested an officer to go to ER and gather initial information from a male subject from Grand Junction. The male had a gunshot wound in his thigh. He was cleaning his weapon when it discharged into his leg. He was later taken to a Des Moines hospital by Greene County EMS. At 9:44 am a complainant caught a stray dog running in the area of the 300 block of W. Adams St. The officer was able to determine the animal’s owner and return the dog with a verbal warning to the owner.
Tuesday, Dec. 6: At 12:38 pm an officer checked on an abandoned 911 call from a residence in the 200 block of S. Walnut St and discovered the residence is vacant. At 1 pm a resident brought a stray kitten to the LEC. The officer placed the kitten in the animal holding facility. At 4:43 pm a complainant reported the theft of a small trailer from the 500 block of N. Wilson.
Monday, Dec. 5: At 9:31 am a caller advised of a careless driver coming into Jefferson from the east on Highway 30. The officer performed a traffic stop with the vehicle at N. Elm and W. Adams St. The officer believed the female driver was using her smart phone while driving and issued her a verbal warning. At 9:40 am JPD officers assisted deputies and jail staff with an uncooperative arrestee brought into the jail. At 12:45 pm a complainant reported a black lab following a postal worker in the 200 block of N. Oak St. The officer placed the animal in the animal holding facility. At 2:36 pm staff at Hy-Vee reported a theft of alcohol which had occurred there on Dec. 4. The officer has been provided video of the event and is working to identify the subject. At 9:02 pm a complainant reported a group of teenagers knocking on her door in the 400 block of S. Chestnut St. She described the vehicle they left in. The officer located the vehicle and spoke to the teens, who advised they had left a gift on her porch for her.
Sunday, Dec. 4: Routine activity reported.
Saturday, Dec. 3: At 10:26 am a complainant reported hunters trespassing at in the 1500 block of Neola St.
Friday, Dec. 2: At 6:45 am an officer was advised of a barking dog in the 600 block of W. South St. The officer spoke to the animal’s owner and issued a verbal warning for the barking and gave a time period for the animal to be licensed through the city. At 2:10 a complainant reported the theft of a purse from a residence in the 300 block of W. Reed. At 2:20 a complainant reported a 4-wheeler being driven through back yards in the 100 block of W. Vest St. The officer did not locate the ATV.
Thursday, Dec. 1: At 3:05 pm Dairy Queen employees requested officers for a fight between a couple inside the business. Officers arrived and made contact with a female and male subject outside the business. Officers learned of a domestic abuse assault between the couple on the day prior, which had occurred in Gowrie. Gowrie officers were working on charges for the male in that event, but the arrest warrant had not yet been issued. The officers determined nothing physical had occurred at Dairy Queen and allowed the male to walk away from the area. The officer escorted the female in her vehicle to the north city limits and she drove home to Gowrie. At 3:41 pm the officer was advised that the arrest warrant for the male was now issued and active. At 3:49 the officer located the male at Fareway. Eric Logan Warland, 26, of Fort Dodge was arrested on the outstanding Webster County arrest warrant for parole violation*. He also faces charges for the reported Gowrie event from the Gowrie officer. The Jefferson officers were assisted by a Greene County deputy.
* All charges are merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
