Sheriff’s report – September 2023

Following are excerpts of activities reported by the Greene County sheriff’s office:

Saturday, Sept. 30: At 6:58 am a deputy investigated a car-deer accident on 170th St near W Ave in Paton Township. Luis Rogue Castro, 24, of Webster City struck a deer with a 2015 Toyota Corolla, causing an estimated $3,000 damage to the vehicle. At 3:12 pm a deputy assisted the Webster County sheriff’s office with trying to locate a runaway. At 3:51 pm a deputy investigated a harassment complaint in the 1000 block of E. Main St in Grand Junction. At 4:10 pm a deputy and the Scranton fire department responded to a field fire on Hwy 30 near Eaton Ave near Scranton. At 8:09 pm a deputy investigated a complaint of harassment in the 800 block of 8th St in Scranton.

Friday, Sept. 29: At 1:43 pm a deputy investigated a complaint of harassment in the 500 block of S. 9th St in Grand Junction. At 2:18 pm a deputy assisted the DNR with an arrest for a probation violation. At 2:25 pm a deputy and the fire departments from Jefferson, Grand Junction, Jamaica and Bayard responded to a large field fire in the 1600 block of 320th St in Franklin Township. An estimated 100 acres of soybeans and corn were burned. At 3:58 pm a deputy investigated an assault at the Churdan city park. At 8:25 pm a deputy and the fire departments from Jefferson, Grand Junction, Paton and Churdan responded to a structure fire in the 2000 block of 190th St in Junction Township. Three outbuildings were a total loss in the fire. The fire is under investigation for suspicion of arson. At 10:43 pm a deputy investigated a complaint of criminal mischief in the 1900 block of 205th St in Junction Township.

Only ears and stalks remain after the Franklin Township fire. Corn husks and leaves were burned. |photo by Chris Henning

Thursday, Sept. 28: At 3:29 pm a deputy assisted a motorcyclist at Spring Lake who needed help getting his motorcycle lifted up after it fell over.

Wednesday, Sept. 27: At 5:57 pm a deputy arrested James Pena, 25, of Jefferson on an arrest warrant for failure to appear. At 9:21 pm a deputy assisted the Jefferson PD with an arrest. 9:21 pm a deputy assisted the Jefferson Police Department with an arrest. Christopher Lawrence, 43, of Jefferson was arrested for operating while under the influence- first offense, possession of a controlled substance- third subsequent offense, and possession of drug paraphernalia*. Audrie Lawrence, 23, of Jefferson was arrested for possession of a controlled substance- third  or subsequent offense (two counts)* and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Tuesday, Sept. 26: At 9:02 am a deputy investigated a complaint of two found dogs that were dead in the ditch 240th St and Quint Ave in Grant Township. The dogs were found to have been properly euthanized by a veterinarian. The owner, Jonathan Forker, 47, of Scranton, disposed the of the bodies at the location. Forkner is being charged with failure of his duty to dispose of animal bodies*. Arrest warrants have been requested At. 2:48 pm a deputy investigated a theft in the 700 block of Brentwood Ave in Scranton Township. At 7:22 pm a deputy investigated an assault in the 400 block of Hill St in Churdan.

Monday, Sept. 25: At 3:30 pm a deputy arrested Isabell Perez, 21, of Churdan for unauthorized use of a credit card less than $1,500, three counts*.

Sunday, Sept. 24: At 9:17 pm a deputy investigated a civil dispute in the 1000 block of Main St in Grand Junction. Kailee Davidson, 23, of Boone was arrested for assault simple, possession of a controlled substance- second offense (two counts), and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Saturday, Sept. 23: At 1:47 pm a deputy investigated a complaint of harassment complaint in the 500 block of East Main Street, Grand Junction. At 3:25 pm a deputy investigated an assault in the 1000 block of Main St in Scranton. At 10:31 pm a deputy investigated an assault in the 1100 block of Irving St in Scranton.

Friday, Sept. 22: At 1:47 pm a deputy investigated a hit-and-run accident in the 500 block of Anyer St in Grand Junction. Someone backed into a parked 2016 Ford Expedition, causing an estimated $1,000 in damage. At 8:26 pm a deputy removed a deer from the roadway on 235th St near S Ave in Grant Township. At 10:20 pm a deputy assisted the Jefferson PD with an arrest in the 1400 block of N. Elm St.

Thursday, Sept. 21: At 2:36 pm a deputy investigated a theft in the 2300 block of 260th St in Washington Township. At 2:37 pm a deputy assisted the Union Pacific railroad investigator with an investigation of tampering with the track near 17th St in Grand Junction.

Wednesday, Sept. 20: At 8:40 am a deputy investigated a complaint of criminal mischief in the 800 block of Percival St in Grand Junction. At 5:59 pm a deputy investigated a theft in the 2400 block of E Ave in Willow Township.

Tuesday, Sept. 19: At 3:59 pm the sheriff assisted with removing a tree from the roadway on 225th St near Parkland Ave in Grant Township. At 9:09 pm the sheriff conducted a traffic stop on 170th St and Brentwood Ave in Kendrick Township. Dawn Miller, 48, of Lanesboro was arrested for six counts of trespass- first offense, theft- fourth degree, and burglary- third degree to motor vehicle second or subsequent offense*. She was also cited for no valid driver’s license.

Sunday, Sept. 17: At 4:03 pm a deputy investigated a theft in the 1600 block of Meadow Ave in Jackson Township. At 4:09 pm a deputy investigated a dog complaint in the 1000 block of Eagle St in Scranton.

Saturday, Nov. 16: At 12:01 am a deputy assisted the Jefferson police department with an arrest in the 700 block of Wild Rose Lane. Diego Cobo, 21, of Webster City was arrested for public intoxication and open container*. At 3 am a deputy assisted the Carroll County sheriff’s office with an arrest in the 3300 block of 330th St in Washington Township. At 11:30 pm a deputy and Grand Junction fire responded to a grass fire on Highway 30 and X Ave east of Grand Junction.

Friday, Nov. 15: At 2:31 pm a deputy investigated a theft in the 700 block of Brentwood Ave in Kendrick Township. At 6:17 pm a deputy, Jefferson police department, Jefferson fire department, and Greene County Ambulance responded to a structure fire in the 500 block of W. State St Jefferson. There was smoke damage and minor damage to the bathroom in the residence. The cause of the fire was candle that was knocked over by a child.

Thursday, Sept. 14: At 7:30 pm a deputy investigated a theft in the 100 block of E. Main St in Grand Junction.

Wednesday, Sept. 13: At 4:46 am a deputy investigated a complaint of a suspicious vehicle at N Avenue and 130th St in Dawson Township. Karston Ausborn, 22, of Lytton was arrested for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and possession of a controlled substance*. At 11:15 am a deputy investigated a controlled burn in the 1500 blk of W Ave in Junction Township. The fire was extinguished. At 4:47 pm a deputy was advised of an accident in the 700 block of an alley south of Sand St in Churdan. Joyce Hoyle, 89, was operating a 2018 Dodge Caravan in her driveway when she lost control of the vehicle and struck two 500-gallon propane tanks, causing them both to roll over. A line on the second tank broke and was leaking large amounts of propane. Several blocks in the area were evacuated. The tank was later partially rolled back over and shut off, stopping the leak. Churdan fire and rescue, Jefferson fire department and Iowa State Patrol assisted. Damage to Hoyle’s vehicle was estimated at $5,000. Damage to the propane tank was estimated at $300. At 4:51 pm a deputy was advised of a dog bite in the 800 block of Chicago St in Scranton. At 6:35 pm a deputy investigated an accident at the intersection of Sand St and Fitzpatrick Sts in Churdan. Larry Gilbertson, 79, backed his 2002 Dodge Neon into a parked 2019 Dodge Charger that is owned by the Iowa Department of Public Safety. The vehicle was being used to block the roadway during the propane leak. Damage to Gilbertson’s vehicle was estimated at $1,000. Damage to the parked vehicle was estimated at $2,000.

Tuesday, Sept. 12: At 6:27 am a deputy assisted with a power line arcing near Orchard Ave and 210th St in Hardin Township. At 9:43 am a deputy investigated a complaint of harassment in the 200 block of Anyer St in Dana. At 2:45 pm the sheriff and a deputy assisted with removing a child from a home in Grand Junction. At 8:17 pm a deputy investigated an ATV accident in the 1700 block of C Ave in Scranton Township. A 12-year-old female was driving a 2017 Polaris Ranger with her younger brother riding when the ATV rolled. One of the children was taken by Greene County Ambulance with minor injuries to the Carroll hospital. The other child was taken by private vehicle with minor injuries to the same hospital. Damage to the ATV was estimated at $500.

Monday, Sept. 11: At 1:49 am a deputy located a manhole cover off in the 800 block of Division St in Grand Junction. At 3:53 pm a deputy investigated a complaint of harassment in the 600 block of S. 15th St in Grand Junction.

Sunday, Sept. 10: At 12:25 pm a deputy investigated a violation of a no contact order in the 600 block of State St in Scranton. At 12:43 pm a deputy was advised of a littering complaint in the 1200 block of 210th St in Bristol Township. At 8:04 pm a deputy was advised of a vehicle-deer accident in the 1200 blk of M Ave in Bristol Township. Trenton Custer, 20, of Jefferson struck a deer with a 2013 Ford F-250 pickup. Damage to the vehicle was estimated at $2,000. At 11:59 pm a deputy investigated an assault in the 600 block of S. 15th St in Grand Junction.

Saturday, Sept. 9: Routine activity reported.

Friday, Sept. 8: At 6:28 am a deputy was advised of a careless driver entering Greene County from Webster County on N Ave. The deputy was able to locate the vehicle and perform a traffic stop.  At 6:52 am a deputy responded to a vehicle-deer accident in the 1500 blk of 235th St east of Jefferson. John Ades, 47, of Rippey struck a deer. Damage to his 2004 Chevrolet Silverado was estimated at $2,000. At 11:48 am a deputy investigated an assault in the 200 block of Cartwright St in Rippey. At 1:56 pm a deputy met a Webster County deputy in the 900 blk of N Ave to pick up an inmate. At 8:38 pm a deputy investigated a call of a burn ban violation in the 600 block of E. Main St in Grand Junction.

Thursday, Sept. 7: At 8:40 am a deputy transported and inmate from Guthrie County jail back to the Greene County jail. At 9:17 am a deputy investigated a possible violation of the sex offender registry. At 3:07 pm a deputy was advised of an accident on Hwy 30 and Hillcrest Ave east of Scranton. Amber Haberl, 28, of Carroll had stopped for a construction zone in her 2018 Ford Fusion. Janna Gilbert, 27, of Fort Dodge was following Haberl in a 2018 GMC Terrain. Gilbert did not stop and struck the rear of Haberl’s vehicle. Gilbert was cited for failure to stop in a safe and assured distance. Damage to each vehicle was estimated at $1,000.

Wednesday, Sept. 6: At 6:04 am a deputy investigated a theft in the 1100 block of State St in Scranton. At 9:40 am a deputy investigated a vehicle theft in the 700 block of Walnut St in Scranton. The vehicle was located in Carroll. At 4:35 pm a deputy investigated a trespass complaint in the 1500 block of Hillcrest Ave in Jackson Township. At 5:41 pm a deputy investigated a complaint of illegal dumping at the Lions tree park east of Grand Junction. At 7:37 pm the Greene County sheriff’s office, Iowa State Patrol, Paton fire, Webster County sheriff’s office, and Greene County Ambulance responded to a single-vehicle rollover accident in the 100 block of N. Main St in Paton. Robert Paullin, 76, of Paton was operating a 3-wheeled bean sprayer. The sprayer rolled over on a slight hill and pinned Paullin, resulting in his death.

Tuesday, Sept. 5: At 5:05 am a deputy removed a deer from the roadway on 237th St and Jordan Ave west of Jefferson. At 11:39 am a deputy investigated a theft in the 800 block of Eagle St in Scranton. At 3:24 pm a deputy investigated a theft in the 1100 block of Hwy 4 in Highland Township.

Monday, Sept. 4: At 1:05 am a deputy investigated a suspicious vehicle in the 700 block of E. Division St in Grand Junction. At 2:23 pm a deputy investigated a complaint of harassment in the 800 block of Percival St in Grand Junction.

Sunday, Sept. 3: At 5:17 am a deputy investigated a report of a person sleeping in the wrong house in the 100 block of W. Main St in Grand Junction. The person was taken to the correct address. At 5:57 pm a deputy investigated a complaint of drug paraphernalia near the river bridge on R Ave in Grant Township.

Saturday, Sept. 2: At 11:41 am a deputy assisted with locating a person missing from Gowrie. The subject was located in Idaho. At 8:14 pm the sheriff, a deputy, Grand Junction fire and rescue and Greene County Ambulance responded to a two-vehicle accident on Hwy 30 and U Ave in Grand Junction. Thomas Williams, 61, of Beaver was stopped in a 2015 Chevrolet Trax waiting for a train crossing Hwy 30. Kaleigh Anderson, 21, of Boone was eastbound on Hwy 30 driving a 2017 Toyota Prius. Anderson failed to stop and rear-ended Williams at highway speed. The Trax was pushed into a tree in the north ditch. The passenger of the Trax was transported by helicopter from the scene to a Des Moines hospital with life threatening injuries. Williams was taken by ambulance to Greene County Medical Center with serious injuries. All occupants of the Prius were taken by ambulance to the Greene County Medical Center. One Prius passenger was later taken by helicopter to an Iowa City hospital with serious injuries. It is suspected that alcohol was a factor and charges are pending lab results. Both vehicles were totaled in the accident.

Friday, Sept. 1: At 3:24 pm a deputy investigated a single-vehicle accident on Quaker Avenue near 243rd St in Grant Township. Liberty Norgart, 20, of Grand Junction was southbound on Quaker Ave driving a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. Norgart struck a large piece of asphalt that was laying in the roadway, causing an estimated $3,000 damage to the vehicle. At 6:46 pm the sheriff, a deputy, Greene County Ambulance, and Grand Junction fire and rescue responded to a single-vehicle accident on Hwy 30 and 19th St in Grand Junction. Joseph Itani, 25, of Adel was westbound on Hwy 30 on a 2007 Buell Lightning. Itani lost control and entered the north ditch. He was transported to Greene County Medical Center with serious injuries. Charges are pending. Damage to the motorcycle was estimated at $2,000. At 7:37 pm a deputy investigated a complaint of criminal mischief in the 200 block of E. Main St in Grand Junction.

*In all cases when a defendant has been charged, this is merely an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Related News