Following are excerpts of activities reported by the Jefferson police department:
Sunday, June 30: At 12:21 am during a check of restrooms at Washington Park, an officer located a backpack containing several BB gun pistols, a sword, knives, and tobacco products. The items were seized by the officer and he is investigating. At 3:45 p a clerk at Sparky’s One Stop advised an intoxicated female had left driving east in a tan Durango. The officer later located the reported vehicle on Elm St.
A computerized check of the vehicle showed the license of the female owner was suspended in Iowa. The officer performed a traffic stop with the vehicle in the 500 block of N. Elm St. While speaking with the female driver, the officer noticed several signs of intoxication. There were three children in the vehicle with the driver. The officer’s investigation led to the arrest of Ashley Nicole Paulsen, 31, of Perry for operating while intoxicated- third offense (Class D felony) and child endangerment- aggravated misdemeanor (three counts)*. She was also cited for driving while suspended and failure to provide proof of financial liability.
Saturday, June 29: At 5:46 am a resident reported a fawn walking on W. Russell St. The officer located the uninjured fawn. It had left the roadway, not requiring any action by the officer. At 12:57 pm staff at Walton Woods reported a male subject who had been trespassed from the property was at the complex today. The officer is awaiting video footage and is investigating.
Friday, June 28: At 11:30 am a complainant reported two unattended young children at a residence in the 700 block of W. State St. The officer arrived and located a 7-year-old locked out of the residence. A 3-year-old was inside the residence. They advised they did not know where their mother was. The officer gained entry into the residence and secured the 3-year-old. The mother came downstairs and advised she had been asleep upstairs. DHS was contacted by the officer. At 9:49 pm an officer arrested Carl William Hale, 65, of Jefferson, on an outstanding Jefferson PD arrest warrant for stalking- aggravated misdemeanor*. The warrant stems from an investigation that began 5/30. A juvenile female reported constant unwanted contact from Hale at two places of employment. The officer spoke to Hale and advised him to end the unwanted contact, but it continued.
Thursday, June 27: At 4:03 pm a complainant reported damage to a lawnmower that was on her property in the 800 block of W. Adams St. It appeared the throttle cable on the mower had been cut intentionally. An officer is investigating. At 6:09 pm officers responded to the 1200 block of S. Grimmell Rd for possible gun shots. Officers determined it was fireworks causing the noise.
Wednesday, June 26: At 2:59 am an officer responded to a residence in the 700 block of W. Sunset Place for a report of a domestic dispute. An officer is investigating. At 6:25 pm an officer responded to Casey’s General Store for a theft report. The officer was advised a wallet had been stolen out of a parked vehicle. The officer is investigating. At 6:25 pm staff at Doc’s Stadium reported a trespassing event. ***** As a result of an investigation that began 5/29 involving the theft of a lighter from Moe’s Mart at White Oak Station, an arrest warrant has been issued for Brandon Niedowicz, 27, of Lohrville for theft- fifth degree (simple misdemeanor)*.
Tuesday, June 25: At 9:37 am an officer responded to Greene County Medical Center for a report of a vehicle being driven into the side of the clinic on the southwest side of the campus. Louise Harris of Jefferson was attempting to park her 2013 Buick Lacrosse in a handicap parking space when she reportedly pushed the gas pedal rather than the brake by mistake, causing the vehicle to drive through the side of the building. The building sustained roughly $10,000 in damages. The vehicle sustained roughly $5,000 in damages to the front end. There were no injuries reported. At 2:33 pm an officer responded to a residence in the 300 block of N. Chestnut St for a report of the theft of a backpack that had just occurred. An officer located the suspect in possession of the backpack three blocks from the residence. As a result, Justin Downs, 33, of Correctionville was placed under arrest on scene for theft- fifth degree (simple misdemeanor)*. At 9 pm officers assisted the Greene County sheriff’s office with executing a search warrant at 304 N. Chestnut St.
Monday, June 24: At 1:57 am as a result of a traffic stop in the 300 block of Stanford St, Carla Lehrkamp, 26, of Scranton was cited for excessive speed. During the traffic stop, the officer noticed Lehrkamp was displaying signs of intoxication. As a result, she was placed under arrest for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated- first offense (serious misdemeanor)*. At 3:17 am a complainant reported a theft of cash at Sparky’s One Stop. An officer is investigating.
Sunday, June 23: At 2:12 am an officer responded to the intersection of 230th St and Kirkwood Ave in Jackson Township for a single vehicle accident. The officer spoke with the driver, Bryce Murano, 20, of Woodward. The officer noticed Murano was showing signs of intoxication. He was charged with operating while intoxicated- first offense (serious misdemeanor)*. He was also cited for failure to maintain control and possession of alcohol under legal age. A passenger in the vehicle, Breanne Parkins, 28, of Pleasant Hill was arrested by a sheriff’s deputy for possession of alcohol under legal age*.
Saturday, June 22: At 1:17 am as a result of a traffic stop in the 600 block of Highway 30 East, Johnnie Phipps, 38, of Ames was found to be driving while his license in the State of Iowa was barred. During the traffic stop, the officer detected the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. The officer located a glass smoking device with suspected marijuana residue. During the search, the officer located an open container of alcohol in the vehicle as well. Phipps’ 6-year-old son was with him in the vehicle. had his 6-year-old son with him in the vehicle. As a result, Phipps was charged with possession of a controlled substance- third offense (aggravated misdemeanor), child endangerment (aggravated misdemeanor)* and driving while barred (aggravated misdemeanor)* . He was also cited for open container of alcohol and insufficient number of headlights. At 12:41 pm as a result of a traffic stop in the 300 block of W. Clark St, Hunter Egdorf of Humboldt was arrested on an outstanding Humboldt County arrest warrant for criminal mischief- fourth degree*. At 7:52 pm Benjamin Allen was arrested for an outstanding Greene County arrest warrant for theft- second degree*. At 9:14 pm an officer responded to N. Grimmell Rd just south of Highway 30 for a vehicle parked in the traveled portion of the roadway. An officer located the vehicle and spoke with the driver, Ashley McManus of Ottumwa. The officer noticed signs of intoxication. McManus was subsequently charged with operating while intoxicated- first offense (serious misdemeanor)*. She was also cited for failure to carry a registration card, failure to provide proof of financial liability, and stopping on paved part of highway. At 11:57 pm officers responded to County Road E-53 and Kirkwood Ave for a single vehicle fatality accident involving one male. The Greene County sheriff’s office, Greene County Ambulance, and the Jefferson fire department assisted. The Iowa State Patrol is investigating the accident.
Friday, June 21: At 5:47 pm an officer responded to the Greene County Community Center for a criminal mischief complaint. It was reported that a juvenile had intentionally scratched a vehicle in the parking lot. An officer is investigating.
Thursday, June 20: At 10:55 am staff at Casey’s General Store reported a gas drive off in the amount of $37.59. Casey’s provided the officer with video of the event and the subject’s name. The officer is working to contact the female. At 11:31 am a caller advised of a small dog running in the street in the 200 block of S. Chestnut St. The officer did not locate the animal. At 7:48 pm a caller advised of a dog running loose near W. Madison and S. Vine Sts. The officer located an owner retrieving the animal and spoke to them about the ordinance issues. At 7:51 pm a caller spoke with an officer about a neighbor’s dog defecating on his property and not being cleaned up after by the owner. At 11:24 pm an anonymous caller spoke with an officer about possible drug activity occurring in Jefferson.
Wednesday, June 19: Routine activity reported.
Tuesday, June 18: At 5:46 am An officer assisted a deputy with an assault reported from the 1200 block of Orchard Ave. At 8:18 am information was provided to an officer about a possible attempted burglary to a local business overnight. The officer is investigating. At 2:25 pm an officer placed in the animal holding facility a stray dog that was found in the 800 block of W. Lincoln Way. ***** Juvenile arrest warrants have been requested for a 17-year-old Jefferson male for possession of marijuana- first offense (serious misdemeanor and possession of drug paraphernalia (simple misdemeanor)* Test results came back positive on an investigation that began on 04/13 at Kelso Park.
Monday, June 17: At 2:52 am Carroll PD requested information from a Jefferson officer in attempting to identify a Jefferson male who was reported to be involved in a child abuse case in Carroll.
Sunday, June 16: At 6:21 pm a caller advised of a driver heading north into Jefferson on Highway 4 that was having difficulty maintaining her lane. The officer located the vehicle near S. Elm and Ram Drive and followed the vehicle. The officer witnessed the vehicle leave its lane and performed a traffic stop. The officer’s investigation led to the arrest of Patricia Lynn Monthei, 48, of Panora for operating while intoxicated- third offense (felony)*. She was also cited for failure to provide proof of financial liability and driving on the wrong side of the roadway.
Saturday, June 15: At 8:35 am during a traffic stop in the 700 block of N. Cedar St an officer arrested a passenger for whom there was an outstanding Polk County arrest warrant. Christopher Herbert Lawrence, 39, of Jefferson was arrested for assault – felony*. At 4 pm a complainant requested an officer at a residence in the 100 block of E. Central Ave to remove an unwanted male subject. The officer arrived and made contact with the couple, who were both highly intoxicated. During the event, the officer saw two smoking devices in plain sight on a table inside the residence. The officer seized the smoking devices along with suspected marijuana wax. Charges are pending lab results.
Friday, June 14: At 7:46 am an officer received a complaint of criminal mischief at Kelso Park. Someone had destroyed the sink and toilet in the men’s restroom. At 12:42 pm staff at White Oak Station reported a male subject had purchased vaping products there. The clerk witnessed the male step outside and give the items to a juvenile. The officer is investigating the event.
Thursday, June 13: At 11:55 am officers assisted the sheriff’s office with locating a missing flatbed semi-trailer on the east side Sparky’s One Stop.
Wednesday, June 12: At 1:33 pm the owner reported locating a smoking device in the restroom at the Uptown Cafe. The officer determined who had placed the device in the restroom. The item will be sent for testing and future charges are pending the results. At 7:05 pm an officer investigated a rear end accident in the drive-thru lane at A & W Family Restaurant. Rhonda Kennedy advised her foot slipped off the brake and she lightly struck the rear of a 2012 Nissan that was in front of her 2005 Buick LaCrosse. The Nissan was owned and operated by Sandra Wiskus of Madrid. Damage to Wiskus’ vehicle was estimated at $100. Kennedy’s vehicle was not damaged.
Tuesday, June 11: At 12:20 pm officers removed two young raccoons from a yard in the 600 block of S. Cedar St. They were removed from the city. At 4:09 pm officers assisted the Jefferson fire department with a small vehicle fire in the 100 block of N. Grimmell Rd. At 5:17 pm a complainant reported a neighbor burning trash in a barrel in the 100 block of E. State St. The officer spoke to the resident and advised only yard waste can be burned, per city ordinance.
Monday, June 10: At 8:35 am an officer took a report of the theft of a 3-wheel bicycle from a residence in the 200 block of E. Harrison St. At 12:08 pm an officer picked up a bicycle abandoned at Kelso Park and placed it in the impound lot. At 3:36 pm an officer arrested Theresa Kathleen Ferguson, 42, of Fort Dodge on an outstanding Greene County arrest warrant for probation violation*. ***** An officer has requested an arrest warrant for Kimberly Nadine Murphy, 22, of Scranton for theft- fifth degree (simple misdemeanor)*. The warrant stems from a shoplifting event at Sparky’s One Stop on 5/19.
Sunday, June 9: At 1:41 am officers noticed a male attempting to urinate in the street in the 200 block of E. Lincoln Way. After a short foot chase Jacob Mario Lopez, 24, of Jefferson was arrested and charged with public intoxication*. At 4:22 pm a complainant reported a male subject had broken into her residence and took cell phones. She advised he had destroyed her cell phone while running away from the residence in the 300 block of N. Chestnut St. The officer located the male and learned he also lives at the address. He made admissions to destroying the cell phone during an argument. Justin Joe Downs, 33, of Correctionville was charged with criminal mischief- fourth degree (serious misdemeanor)*.
Saturday, June 8: At 12:02 am officers spoke to an intoxicated female who had left the Bell Tower Festival venue and entered her vehicle to drive away. It was determined she was not capable of driving and a ride was ensured to get her home safely. At 2:27 am a complainant advised her vehicle had been broken into in the employee parking lot at Greene County Medical Center. A side window had been broken out and a purse was missing. Hospital footage showed a male breaking the window with a chunk of concrete and reaching inside to grab the purse. The officer has developed two suspects from Fort Dodge by gathering video footage from the casino. A vehicle was also shown in the casino footage providing the officer with a plate number. Charges are pending the end of the investigation. At 3 am a complainant reported items were removed from her unlocked vehicle in the parking lot at Greene County Medical Center. A large floral bag containing personal effects had been taken from the vehicle. Video footage showed the same subject as the previous entry entering the vehicle and removing the item. The officer is investigating. At 11:32 am an officer investigated a backing accident in the 400 block of E. McKinley St. Richard Burkhardt was backing his 1990 Chevrolet K2500 pickup truck from a private drive when he struck a 2017 Chevrolet Cruse parked on the north side of the street. The Cruze is owned by Andrea Dorr of Atkins. Burkhardt was cited for unsafe backing on a highway. Damage to his pickup truck was estimated at $200. Damage to the Cruze was estimated at $2,000. At 4:05 pm officers were called to a fight in progress between siblings in a yard in the 600 block of S. Chestnut St. The officer’s investigation found a 17 year-old-male had choked his sister during an argument. Charges will be sent to the juvenile court for domestic abuse assault*.
Friday, June 7: At 1:48 pm an officer picked up an abandoned bicycle from the middle school and placed it in the impound lot.
Thursday, June 6: At 11:39 am a traffic stop in the 200 block of E. Lincoln Way resulted in Conshanda Cox, 39, of Fort Dodge being cited for driving while suspended. The officer learned of an outstanding Webster County arrest warrant for Cox and arrested her on the charge of assault*. Officers performed a consent search of a male subject riding another motorcycle with Cox. During the search the officer located numerous smoking devices and suspected meth and marijuana. Future charges are pending test results on the seized items. At 8:02 pm staff at the municipal swimming pool requested an officer there for three disruptive male juveniles. The officer spoke to the three juveniles and parents. All three were banned from the facility for the remainder of the season.
Wednesday, June 5: At 1:41 am a complainant reported subjects knocking on his windows in the 1200 block of Southfield Drive. The officer was called back a few minutes later for the same event and a landscaping light had also been damaged. The officer has a suspect and is investigating. At 10:32 am a complainant reported the theft of prescription medication from a residence in the 1000 block of W. Adams St. At 7:19 pm a complainant reported yard tools missing from a garage in the 600 block of S. Maple St. The leaf blower and weed eater were last known to be there on Monday. The value of the stolen items is $350.
Tuesday, June 4: At 10 pm an officer investigated a two-vehicle property damage accident at Lincoln Way and Elm St. Polly Kinsey of Jefferson was westbound on Lincoln Way driving her 2014 Chevrolet K150 pickup truck. Shannon Hagen of Jefferson was northbound in the inside lane of Elm St driving her 2017 Chevrolet Cruze. Both vehicles stopped and left the stop signs, colliding in the intersection. Kinsey was cited for failure to obey stop sign. Damage to her vehicle was estimated at $500. Damage to Hagen’s vehicle was estimated at $1,000.
Monday, June 3: At 4:12 pm a caller advised of a possible fire in the 100 block of S. Wilson Ave. An officer and the Jefferson fire department arrived and extinguished the fire.
Sunday, June 2: At 7:37 am a resident advised a stray dog followed him home from his walk in the Southfield Drive neighborhood. The officer placed the animal in the animal holding facility. At 5:03 pm a complainant reported a female came to her door in the 500 block of W. Harrison St claiming to have been sent by her insurance company to take photos. After refusing to advise which company she worked for, the female left the area. At 5:50 pm a resident advised he caught a stray dog in the 500 block of E. Monroe St. The officer placed the animal in the animal holding facility.
Saturday, June 1: At 4:24 pm a complainant reported witnessing a male run into the metal wall a hangar at the airport while driving a golf cart. The officer is investigating.
*Note: All charges are merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
