Following are excerpts of activities reported by the Jefferson police department:
Wednesday, Jan. 31: At 8:45 am an officer investigated an accident at N. Elm and W. Clark Sts. Jackson Turner of Jefferson was operating a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu owned by Tanya Turner. As he left the posted stop sign on Clark St to turn left onto Elm, he struck a passing 2018 Ford Taurus owned and operated by Ryan Koch of Churdan. Turner was cited for failure to yield upon a left turn. Damage to his vehicle was estimated at $1,500. Both drivers advised of sun glare as being a factor in the accident. At 3:15 pm staff at Greene County Middle School requested an officer as they had located a computer search on a student’s computer asking how to build a pipe bomb and place it in a school building. The officer spoke with two students and their parents about the issue. The officer did not feel there was a threat, but poor judgement used in the search. The school is taking action by suspending the two. At 4:30 pm an officer investigated an accident at W. State and N. Walnut Sts. Alivia Cornell of Scranton was southbound on Walnut driving a 2013 Kia Optima owned by Colleen Owens. As she proceeded through the intersection she struck an eastbound 2007 Dodge Charger owned by Mason Hopewell and operate by Kayla McKown of Jefferson. Cornell was cited for failure to yield to vehicle on right. Damage to the vehicle she was driving was estimated at $3,000. Damage to The vehicle McKown was operating was estimated at $1,000.
Tuesday, Jan. 30: At 12:14 pm staff at Greene County Middle School reported a student caught with a vaping device. The officer issued 13-year-old female a citation for person under age 21 using vaping product. At 12:42 pm staff at Greene County Elementary School reported a father took his child from the school without the right to do so. (See related story under the News tab.) At 3:45 pm a complainant reported her juvenile son had been threatened by a juvenile neighbor. The officer is investigating.
Monday, Jan. 29: Routine activity reported.
Sunday, Jan. 28: Routine activity reported.
Saturday, Jan. 27: At 2:28 pm a resident reported he had caught a stray dog in the 700 block of S. Wilson St. The officer picked up the dog and took it to the Community Animal Shelter.
Friday, Jan. 26: Routine activity reported.
Thursday, Jan. 25: Routine activity reported.
Wednesday, Jan. 24: At 1:51 am a complainant reported a person having entered his apartment earlier in the day without his permission. The officer is investigating. At 1:57 pm a Fareway manager reported a person having trespassed on the property. As a result of the investigation, Lanny Lewis of Jefferson was charged with trespass- simple*.
Tuesday, Jan. 23: At 11:27 am staff at Greene County Middle School reported a situation involving a student making threats toward other students while referencing a weapon. A weapon was not located on school grounds. The officer investigated, as a result of the investigation a juvenile male was taken into custody and charged with intimidation with a dangerous weapon – D felony and harassment- first degree (aggravated misdemeanor)*.
Monday, Jan. 22: At 2:29 pm an anonymous caller reported a two-vehicle accident near the intersection of S. Locust St and E. Madison St. The officer checked on the situation and found the vehicles had been moved and the drivers did not want police assistance. At 5:58 pm the Department of Human Services referred a possible sex assault case in Jefferson that had been brought to their attention. The officer is investigating. At 6:19 pm an officer conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of S. Olive and E. Park Sts. As a result of the traffic stop Carlos Ricardo Gonzales of Jefferson was arrested for driving while license barred*.
Sunday, Jan. 21: At 1:18 am a resident requested an officer to conduct a welfare check on a female she believed to be driving towards the medical center. The officer conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle in which the person was a passenger and spoke with her. The officer transported her to the emergency room to be evaluated.
Saturday, Jan. 20: At 10:34 am an officer investigated a backing accident in the 200 block of E. Harrison St. Beth Villanueva of Jefferson was westbound driving her 2010 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck. Michael McAtee of Grand Junction backed his 2010 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck from a parking space as Villanueva passed, striking the vehicle. McAtee was cited for unsafe backing. Damage to his vehicle was estimated at $1,000. Damage to Villanueva’s vehicle was estimated at $2,500. At 12:45 pm an officer investigated a backing accident in the 1200 block of N. Pinet St. Gertrude Boer of Jefferson was driving her 2008 Ford on W. Central Ave. Robert Mobley of Jefferson backed his 2015 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck from a private drive into Boer’s vehicle as she passed. Mobley was cited for unsafe backing. Damage to his pickup truck was estimated at $1,000. Damage to Boer’s vehicle was estimated a $28,000. At 8:33 pm a complainant reported a stray cat in the 1000 block of S. Elm St. The officer placed the cat in the Community Animal Shelter.
Friday, Jan. 19: Routine activity reported.
Thursday, Jan. 18: At 6:41 am a complainant reported a possible assault in progress at a residence in the 500 block of N. Oak St. An officer responded and was told by the female resident an assault had not occurred. As a result of the investigation, Madison Meyers of Jefferson was arrested for possession of alcohol by person underage*. At 11:12 am staff at Greene County Elementary reported a staff member was being harassed over Facebook Messenger. As a result of the investigation, Jared Dean Dennhardt of Jefferson was charged with harassment- third degree*. At 1:18 pm an officer performed a traffic stop near the intersection of S. Elm and W. Harrison Sts. As a result of the traffic stop, Jeremy Andrews of Jefferson was arrested for driving while license barred*. He was also cited for violation of financial liability coverage. At 1:54 pm an officer assisted a driver stuck in the snow on N. Grimmell Rd.
Wednesday, Jan. 17: At 12:59 pm Ruby Milbourn reported her vehicle had been struck and damaged in the private parking lot at 1216 Westwood Dr sometime in the past five days. The officer estimated the damage at $1,000. At 1:15 pm staff at New Hope Bargain Shop requested an officer. The business reported two juveniles had been caught shoplifting there. The store did not wish to pursue theft charges, but wished for the pair to be barred from coming back in the business. At 3:01 pm a complainant reported an assault which had allegedly occurred on 11/17/2023 at the Greene County Medical Center emergency room. The complainant reported a doctor had assaulted her as she attempted to leave the facility before being treated. At 5:02 pm a caller advised of suspicious activity at a residence in the 400 block of W. Head St. The officer located a male walking near the residence and spoke to him. There was an outstanding Marshall County arrest warrant for the individual, Lewis Randolph. He was placed into custody and taken to the Greene County jail awaiting transport to Marshall County.
Tuesday, Jan. 16: At 4:49 am an officer spotted a vehicle being towed by another with a chain. Yerson Salvin of Jefferson was cited for failure to use required towing equipment. Felisha Helms Nelson was cited for failure to provide proof of financial liability.
Monday, Jan. 15: At 1:47 am an officer conducted a welfare check on a female after receiving a request from a suicide prevention line. The officer made contact with the subject, who advised she was fine. At 7:23 am an officer assisted a motorist stuck in snow near N. Maple and W. Adams Sts. At 11:30 am an officer was requested at a residence in the 400 block of E. State St for an assault. The officer arrived and spoke to both parties involved. The officer’s investigation led to the arrest of the caller, Anthony Alan Harris-Evans, 30, of Jefferson for domestic abuse assault (simple misdemeanor)*. At 1:59 pm staff at Fareway reported the theft of $25.96 in groceries. The officer is investigating. At 2:22 pm an officer assisted a motorist stuck in snow near W. State St and N. Grimmell Rd.
Sunday, Jan. 14: At 7:10 pm a resident reported her vehicle was stuck in the snow in the 700 block of S. Elm St. The officer assisted in freeing the vehicle. *****Officers issued three parking citations for violating the Jefferson snow removal parking ordinance.
Saturday, Jan. 13: At 12:19 am a resident reported her vehicle was stuck in the snow on N. Grimmell Rd near the intersection with W. Central Ave. Due to the weather the vehicle could not be removed and she was given a ride back to her residence. At 2:44 am an officer assisted Greene County Ambulance staff with a medical call in the 600 block of E. Adams St. At 4:05 am an officer had a vehicle towed in the 100 block of N. Olive St. The vehicle was blocking access to a city of Jefferson shop containing snow removal equipment. At 4:50 am a resident reported her vehicle was stuck in the snow near the intersection of N. Maple and W. McKinley Sts. The officer and city street crew workers assisted in freeing the vehicle. At 6:40 am an officer assisted in two vehicles being removed by towing which had been trapped in the snow overnight. At 12:16 pm a Greene County sheriff’s deputy reported a vehicle stuck in the snow near the intersection of S. Wilson Ave and Monroe St. The officer and a passerby assisted in freeing the vehicle. At 1:59 pm an Iowa DOT snowplow driver reported a two-vehicle accident on Hwy 30 near the intersection with N. Grimmell Rd. Marie Streeter of Lake City was eastbound on Hwy 30 driving a 2014 Honda Pilot. Following her was Dax Olson driving a 2019 Chevrolet Colorado LT. The snowplow was westbound, with wind blowing snow across the roadway, limiting Streeter’s visibility. She slowed, coming to a near stop. Olson slowed but collided with the rear of Streeter’s vehicle. Damage to Streeter’s vehicle was estimated at $3,500. Damage to Olson’s vehicle was estimated at $5,000. At 4:06 pm a resident reported her vehicle was stuck in the snow near the intersection of W. Mahlon St and N. Grimmell Rd. The officer was unable to assist in freeing the vehicle and tow service was contacted to remove it. At 4:28 pm a complainant reported having smelled a house burning in the 500 block of W. State St. The officer checked the area and found the smell was from a wood-burning stove.
Friday, Jan. 12: At 3:52 pm a resident reported a vehicle stuck in the snow in the 200 block of Briarwood Bend. The officer assisted in freeing the vehicle. At 6:11 pm while on patrol an officer located a vehicle stuck in the snow near the intersection of E. Lincoln Way and Cedar St. The officer assisted in freeing the vehicle. At 7:51 pm an anonymous caller reported a truck stuck in the snow in the 1200 block of N. Elm St. The officer located the vehicle and identified the driver as Timothy Williams of Jefferson. The vehicle was removed and as a result of the investigation, Timothy Ray Williams was arrested for operating while intoxicated- third offense and driving while license revoked*. At 9:56 pm a resident reported she was unable to leave her apartment in the 1300 block of Ferguson Circle due to a large snowdrift blocking the door. The officer removed the snowdrift and the door was opened. At 10:46 pm an anonymous caller reported a truck in the ditch in the 1900 block of N. Grimmell Rd. Due to the weather the vehicle could not be removed and the driver was given a ride back to his residence.
Thursday, Jan. 11: At 8:14 am staff at Greene County Agronomy Services requested an officer there. A driver had spun donuts in the gravel parking lot, throwing rocks all over. They provided the officer with video of the event and vehicle responsible. The officer’s investigation led to an arrest warrant being requested for Devin Jullian Villalobos, 22, of Jefferson for driving while license barred (aggravated misdemeanor)*. He was also cited for trespass-simple*. *****Officers issued 12 snow parking violation citations during the reporting period.
Wednesday, Jan. 10: At 5:26 am a complainant reported two dogs running freely in the 500 block of N. Oak St. The officer attempted to catch the animals but was unsuccessful. At 7:15 pm an officer was requested to perform a welfare check on a possible suicidal subject in the 200 block of S. Maple St. The officer ended up transporting the subject to ER for an evaluation.
Tuesday, Jan. 9: At 6:05 am a public works employee reported a backing accident in the city parking lot located at Harrison St and S. Wilson Ave. A public works employee was removing snow with the city’s payloader and backed into a parked 2016 Chevrolet Malibu owned by Imagine the Possibilities. The officer estimated the damage to the vehicle at $1,000. The payloader was not damaged. City, county, and state employees are exempt from the “unsafe backing statute while performing job duties, like snow removal. At 9:09 am staff at Cobblestone Inn requested an officer for a female who had walked to the facility. The officer spoke to the female, who advised she had walked from Des Moines in the past few days and was trying to get to Denison. The officer could not provide any assistance. ***** Officers issued 12 snow parking violations during the recent snow storm.
Monday, Jan. 8: Routine activity reported.
Sunday, Jan. 7: At 10:11 am an officer was made aware of a male juvenile who made a statement about possibly being the next shooter. The statement was overheard by another juvenile. The officer spoke to the youth and his mother about the issue. The subject understood how the statement was inappropriate in light of the recent tragedy in Perry. No direct threat was made, just a poor use of words by the juvenile. At 11:52 am staff at Dollar General advised of a stray cat at the store. The officer placed the cat in impound.
Saturday, Jan. 6: At 11:23 am staff at Bomgaars called and advised the male thought to have shoplifted the previous day was now back in the store. The officer arrived and spoke to the subject. Michael Lee Eastman, 50, of Jefferson was arrested and charged with theft- fifth degree*. At 12:36 a search warrant was executed at a residence in the 200 block of E. Perry St regarding the Bomgaars shoplifting incidents. Officers were assisted by the sheriff’s office in the execution. Suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia was seized into evidence for testing. The items stolen items from the previous day were not located during the search. At 8:04 pm an officer arrested Joshua Michael Faller, 49, of Jefferson on an outstanding warrant for fail to appear on an original charge of disorderly conduct*. At 10:18 pm a complainant reported subjects arguing and slamming doors at a residence in the 300 block of N. Wilson Ave. The officer’s investigation led to the arrest of Austin Ray Higgins-Owens, 19 of Jefferson for providing false information and possession of alcohol by person under age 21 (simple misdemeanors)*.
Friday, Jan. 5: At 9 am the Greene County School District advised an officer of a possible threat on social media by a student. The officer investigated and determined it was not a threat, but a bad choice of wording in the post. At 5:16 pm staff at Bomgaars reported a shoplifting there. Employees witnessed a male place pipe fittings in his pocket and leave without paying for the items. The officer is investigating.
Thursday, Jan. 4: Routine activity reported.
Wednesday, Jan. 3: At 2:21 pm an officer assisted the Jefferson fire department with a small garage fire at 508 N. Vine St. Minimal damage occurred to a wall. At 4:35 pm a complainant reported items missing from a residence in the 700 block of S. Locust St. A cell phone and legal papers were missing.
Tuesday, Jan. 2: At 4:58 pm an officer was assisted by deputies with a two-vehicle accident at N. Elm and Central Ave. Kevin McArthur of Sheldahl was northbound on Elm driving a 2016 Ford Taurus owned by the State of Iowa. Brad Podlesak of Jefferson was eastbound driving his 2018 Chevrolet Silverado. As McArthur passed Central Ave, Podlesak failed to stop as posted and their vehicles collided. Both drivers were injured and were transported to Greene County Medical Center by Greene County Ambulance. The State of Iowa vehicle sustained $13,000 in damages and was a total loss. Damage to Podlesak’s vehicle was estimated at $25,000. Charges are pending at this time.
Monday, Jan. 1: At 2:17 pm a complainant reported a possible violation of a no contact order. The officer is investigating.
*All charges are merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
