Following are excerpts of activities reported by the Jefferson police department:
Friday, Dec. 31: At 2:45 am an officer was requested at the Greene County Medical Center regarding a subject who reported a gunshot victim was in his car in the parking lot. The officer determined the reporting party was suffering from a mental health issue and there was no victim. The officer assisted the reporting party.
Thursday, Dec. 30: At 12:27 pm a manager for Casey’s General Store reported a shoplifter had just left the business. As a result of the investigation a warrant was requested for Royce Gonnelly of Jefferson for theft- fifth degree (simple misdemeanor)*. At 10:50 pm an anonymous female reported a possibly intoxicated male yelling and being belligerent in the 900 block of W. State St. Upon arrival the officer located two males involved in what appeared to be a physical confrontation. As a result of the investigation, John Taylor Roberts of Stuart was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct – fighting/violent behavior.*
Wednesday, Dec. 29: At 2:51 pm a complainant called 911 from a residence in the 700 block of W. Sunset Rd and advised she was being held hostage at the residence and needed an officer. Officers arrived and made contact with the complainant and three other subjects inside the residence. The officer learned the complainant had allegedly stolen a $12,000 Rolex watch from a male at the residence. During a consent search of the complainant’s vehicle looking for the watch, officers located suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. The officer stopped the consent search and began applying for a search warrant of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a secure location until the search warrant could be gathered and signed. The other officer assisted Greene County Ambulance in taking the female to ER. The watch was located on the complainant’s person. The officers later executed the search warrant on the vehicle and seized numerous drug related items. Charges are pending lab results and the completion of the investigation. At 5:45 pm a complainant reported his juvenile daughter had been assaulted by a juvenile male at the Greene County Community Center. The officer is working to contact the male juvenile’s parents to remedy the issue.
Tuesday, Dec. 28: At 8:11 am a complainant reported a subject in the neighborhood off the 600 block of S. Locust St who often burns lumber in his yard. The officer spoke to the resident and advised him the ordinances prohibit burning anything other than yard waste. At 10:09 am city public works staff reported a dump truck parked near the brush pile at Daubendiek Park and no one was around. The officer eventually had the vehicle towed to Impound. At 11:57 am an officer began an investigation of a theft at The Gardens. A resident is missing $160 in cash.
Monday, Dec. 27: At 12:29 am an officer was requested at a residence in the 600 block of N. Cedar St for an assault occurring there. The officer arrived and made contact with a couple, who reside at the residence. The officer’s investigation led to the arrest of both parties. Ivy Christina Heithoff, 33, of Jefferson and Jesse Dean Hermansen, 32, of Jefferson, were arrested and charged with domestic abuse assault- first offense (serious misdemeanor)*.
Sunday, Dec. 26: At 2:22 pm an officer is investigated a hit & run accident which occurred in the HyVee parking lot. A 2020 Chevrolet K1500, owned by Nate Byerly of Churdan, was parked in the lot and received damage estimated at $400 to the rear side. Witnesses gave the officer a description and plate information of the other vehicle involved. The officer is working to obtain video of the event. The investigation continues. At 5:12 pm an officer checked on a driver sitting on the roadside near Wall and N. West Sts. In conversation with the young driver, the officer learned she had a minor’s school permit. The officer cited the driver for violation of a minor’s school permit.
Saturday, Dec. 25: Routine activity reported.
Friday, Dec. 24: At 3:46 pm staff at Fareway reported catching a female shoplifter in the act. Officers arrived and spoke to a manager and approached the female after she left the business. The officer located items in her purse, which she had not paid for in the value of $13.60. Linda Ann Johnson, 50, of Perry was issued a summons to appear on a charge of theft- fifth degree*.
Thursday, Dec. 23: At 4:58 pm security staff at Wild Rose Casino requested an officer for a subject on the gaming floor who had previously signed a self-exclusion form. The officer located the subject and issued a summons to appear to David Michael Mills of Des Moines for trespass*. At 9:46 pm an officer was assisted by a deputy in arresting Anthony James Peterson, 32, of Jefferson on an outstanding Jefferson PD warrant for violation of a protective order*. The warrant is the result of an investigation that began in mid-December at the Greene County courthouse during a court event.
Wednesday, Dec. 22: At 11:34 am a complainant reported possible harassment by text message. The officer is investigating. At 6:17 pm the dispatcher received several reports of fireworks being set off near the 700 block of S. Wilson Ave. When the officer arrived, the fireworks had stopped.
Tuesday, Dec. 21: At 8:18 am a caller advised of two deceased dogs in the roadway in the 500 block of E. Lincoln Way. The officer located the animals and determined they had been struck by a vehicle. No identifying tags were located on the animals to notify the owner. The animals were taken to the Jefferson Vet Clinic for disposal. At 1:08 pm staff at HyVee reported the theft of groceries. A couple had purchased groceries at the business. The male went outside with the couple’s groceries. The female grabbed two carts of groceries sitting by the front entrance, which were purchased online by a customer for pick-up. The two carts were taken outside and loaded into a vehicle with the couple’s groceries. The amount of the stolen groceries was $287.47. The officer has identified the couple from video and is investigating.
Monday, Dec. 20: At 11:21 am an officer investigated a backing accident in the parking lot at 1000 W. Adams St. Wendi Smits of Jefferson was driving her 2006 Chrysler Town & Country minivan north in the lot. Nancy Halterman of Grand Junction backed her 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan minivan from a parking spot and the vehicles collided. Both units had a reported $2,000 in damage. At 8:55 pm a resident reported a male at HyVee who was outside and not dressed for the weather. He was asking customers for a cigarette lighter. The officer arrived and made contact with the male subject, who appeared to be struggling with mental health. The officer gave the subject a ride to the lobby of the jail, until a ride home to Des Moines could be arranged.
Sunday, Dec. 19: At 12:35 pm a complainant reported a situation involving harassment and trespassing. The officer is investigating.
Saturday, Dec. 18: At 12:01 pm a complainant reported harassment and suspected trespassing in the 700 block of N. Cedar St. As a result of the officer’s investigation Jared O’Hara of Des Moines was charged with harassment- third degree (simple misdemeanor)*. At 5:59 pm an officer performed a traffic stop in the 600 block of W. Lincoln Way. Marlene Anderson of Ralston was arrested for driving while license barred and operating a motor vehicle without an interlock device.* She was also cited for fail to provide proof of financial liability.
Friday, Dec. 17: At 11:11 am Larry Jackson of Jefferson reported he had struck a deer with his vehicle on S. Elm St near the intersection with W. Russell St. The officer’s investigation found a Jackson was southbound on Elm driving his 2015 Chevrolet Sonic when a deer came from the east into the roadway and collided with the front driver’s side of the vehicle. Damage to the vehicle was estimated at $2,500. At 12:15 pm the Jefferson fire department was dispatched to a fire at a residence in the 100 block of N. Cedar St. An officer also responded to assist as needed.
Thursday, Dec. 16: At 8:40 am a resident advised her oxygen tank was nearly empty and her cell phone was dead. The officer made contact with her medical company and advised them of the issue. At 5:39 pm an officer was requested at a residence in the 700 block of W. Madison St for a dispute between the property owner and Alliant workers on scene making repairs to powerlines. At 6:08 pm an officer investigated a car-deer accident in the 1600 block of N. Grimmell Rd. Tyler Lux of Carroll was northbound driving his 2004 Chevrolet Malibu when he struck a deer in the roadway. Damage to his vehicle was estimated at $2,000.
Wednesday, Dec. 15: At 9:43 am a complainant reported a missing vape pen and a camera SID card from a residence in the 200 block of S. Olive St. The officer is investigating. ***** Several officers checked for downed powerlines and branches in Jefferson after the storm came through the area. No major damage was reported withing the city. At 6:52 pm a resident reported a downed tree and powerline in the 100 block of W. Madison St.
Tuesday, Dec. 14: At 8:38 am a complainant reported her child being bullied at the school bus stop in the mornings. She advised her daughter was assaulted by a child on the bus. The officer is working with the school and investigating the report. At 8:41 am a caller advised of a large truck illegally parked in the intersection of the 200 block of S. Wilson Ave. The officer worked with the owner of the truck and gave him ample time to have the vehicle removed from the street. Eventually the officer had the vehicle towed to impound, since the owner failed to remove the traffic hazard. At 10:36 am an officer began an investigation into a purse stolen at Wild Rose Casino on 12/11. The officer has been provided with a suspect and is investigating. At 6:59 pm a resident showed an officer a check for $4,900 he had received through Priority Mail. He was instructed to deposit the check and keep $600 for himself, while sending the rest of the funds to the sender. The officer advised the resident this was a scam ad the check is not real. It will not clear the bank, and he will be responsible for the entire amount.
Monday, Dec. 13: Routine activity reported.
Sunday, Dec. 12: Routine activity reported.
Saturday, Dec. 11: At 11:10 am a complainant reported a criminal mischief had occurred at a residence in the 300 block of N. Chestnut St. Unknown persons had broken out three vehicle windows. The officer is investigating. At 6:35 pm an officer investigated a collision at Highways 30 and 4. Thomas Hildreth of Rockwell City was southbound on Highway 4, driving his 2020 Ram 1500 pickup truck. He stopped as posted and then entered the intersection. Colton Davis of Jefferson was eastbound on Highway 30; the report did not provide the model and year of his vehicle. Davis left the posted stop sign and the two vehicles collided. Davis was cited for driving while license suspended. Damage to his vehicle was estimated at $1,500. Damage to Hildreth’s vehicle was estimated at $2,000.
Friday, Dec. 10: At 3:47 pm a complainant reported a scam phone text he had received. The complainant had been texting with a female in the recent past. She asked for money to take a taxi to Jefferson and meet him. He sent a small amount of money with a gift card. The female never arrived in Jefferson. The subject was now texting him and threatening suicide if he did not send her money. The officer advised it was a scam and to end contact with the subject. At 8:10 pm James Holz reported his 2016 Honda Pilot had been struck and damaged while parked at Greene County High School. The vehicle suffered $800 in damages. The officer is working to obtain video from the school to determine the other vehicle involved.
Thursday, Dec. 9: At 6:36 am an officer investigated a one-vehicle accident on the overpass in the 700 block of N. Elm St. Lewis Pierson III of Jefferson was southbound driving his 2004 Jeep Liberty when he lost control of the vehicle on the icy road and struck the side rail of the overpass. The vehicle had a reported $1,500 in damages. The overpass was not damaged. At 8:25 pm an officer investigated a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of N. Elm and W. Reed Sts. Shannon Faller of Jefferson was westbound on Reed driving her 2000 Chevrolet Suburban. She was unable to stop at the posted stop sign at Elm St, and slid through into the intersection, striking a northbound 2008 Ford F250 pickup truck owned and operated by Mark McDermott of Panora. Faller was cited for fail to obey stop sign. Damage to her vehicle was estimated at $5,000. Damage to McDermott’s vehicle was estimated at $1,000. At 10:52 am a complainant advised of a package from Amazon not showing up at her residence in the 300 block of E. Lincoln Way. The Amazon website showed the package had been delivered, but it was not there. The officer advised her to contact Amazon and advise the company of this, in case it was incorrectly delivered elsewhere.
Wednesday, Dec. 8: At 8:02 am a complainant advised her juvenile son had been assaulted at Greene County High School. The officer is working with school officials to look into the matter. At 1:24 pm an officer investigated a rear end collision in the 400 block of N. Elm St. Belinda Lawson of Jefferson was northbound in the inside lane and had stopped waiting to turn left. Edward Hurst of Adel was northbound driving a semi tractor-trailer, following Lawson. He failed to see she had stopped and struck the rear of her vehicle. Hurst was cited for fail to stop in assured clear distance. Damage to the 2020 International he was driving, which is owned by 4-J Farms of Redfield, was estimated at $500. Damage to Lawson’s 2021 Ford Escape was estimated at $5,000.
Tuesday, Dec. 7: At 1:18 pm an officer began an investigation into a possible violation of a no contact order at the courthouse. At 5:27 pm a complainant reported catching a stray kitten in the 500 block of N. Olive St. The officer placed the animal in the animal holding facility.
Monday, Dec. 6: At 8:52 am an officer investigated an accident at S. Chestnut and E. Russell Sts. A 2020 Peterbilt garbage truck, owned by the city of Jefferson and operated by Kenny Schmidt of Jefferson, was facing north and stopped at the posted stop sign on Chestnut. As Schmidt attempted to turn west onto Russell St, Cody Wenger of Des Moines, who was driving a 2008n Chevrolet Tahoe, attempted to go around the garbage truck. The two vehicles collided. Wenger was cited for fail to provide proof of financial liability (accident related). Damage to his vehicle was estimated at $3,000. Damage to the garbage truck was estimated at $1,500. At 4:53 pm a complainant reported a lost/stolen registration plate. He thought it went missing on 12/05. At 5:26 pm a caller reported a deer in the roadway on County Road E-53 near the river bridge west of Jefferson. While enroute, the officer was advised the deer got up and ran away.
Sunday, Dec. 5: At 10:33 am a complainant reported criminal mischief to her residence in the 500 block of N. Maple St. The officer is investigating. At 5:11 pm a complainant reported an assault that had occurred during the previous week. The officer is investigating. At 6:12 pm an officer arrested Robert Fry of Jefferson on a Greene County warrant for gambling- false claim of winnings.*
Saturday, Dec. 4: At 12:10 am while on patrol an officer found criminal mischief to a restroom door at Russell Park. The officer is investigating.
Friday, Dec. 3: At 12:05 pm an officer arrested Tammy Tolsdorf of Jefferson on Greene County warrants for possession of a controlled substance- third or subsequent (methamphetamine /marijuana) and possession of drug paraphernalia.*
Thursday, Dec. 2: At 5:49 pm Greene County Family Practice Clinic staff requested an officer at for a subject hearing a bang and then broken glass was found in the parking lot. The officer determined the glass came from a light bulb being broken on the concrete. At 8:51 pm staff at HyVee requested an officer for a customer who was bothering other customers and employees. The officer ended up driving the subject to his residence and calling for the Greene County Ambulance to check on the male. The male refused medical attention. At 9:01 pm staff at Casey’s General Store reported a stray dog there. The officer en route to the animal holding facility when the owner called and advised her dog was missing. The officer returned the animal to its owner.
Wednesday, Dec. 1: At 9:24 am an officer investigated a rear end collision in the 300 block of W. Lincoln Way. A 2021 Ford Escape, owned by Mclaughlin Motors of Coon Rapids and driven by Regan Williams of Jefferson, was stopped in traffic near the posted stop sign at Elm and Lincoln Way. Williams was struck from behind by a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox, owned and operated by Junior Aguilar Gutierres of Jefferson. The Williams vehicle incurred a reported $1,500 in damages, while the Aguilar Gutierres vehicle had a reported $5,000 in damages. Gutierres was cited for fail to stop within an assured clear distance ahead. At 9:59 am staff at Miller Chiropractic reported a stray dog. The officer returned the animal to the owner, who had reported it missing the prior day. At 2:45 pm a complainant reported the theft of cash from his vehicle while parked at Bomgaars. The officer is investigating.
*All charges are merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
