Man arrested for three downtown business burglaries

On Aug. 4th at 1:42 am, the Sioux City Police Department responded to a report of a burglary at Counseling & Support Services, 421 Nebraska St in which a suspect had broken a window out to gain entry. It was not known at the time of the investigation if anything was missing.

At 5:15 am, the department responded to a report of a broken window at Security National Bank, 601 Pierce St in which a window had been broken out to gain entry of a lobby area. At the time of the report, all that appeared to be missing was hand sanitizer.

At 5:46 am, officers responded to a burglary at Trattoria Fresco, 511 4th St. in which a window had been broken in order to gain entry. While investigating the burglary, officers located a man in the business.

Arrested was 39-year-old Mark Gray of Sioux City. He was charged for burglarizing all three businesses and booked into the Woodbury County Jail on three counts of 3rd degree Burglary.

Accidental shooting on W 2nd leaves one person dead

On August 1 at 8:26 pm, the Sioux City Police Department received a report of a shooting in a residence in the 1600 block of W 2nd St.

Responding officers found that an adult-male was suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. The victim was transported to MercyOne where he succumbed to his injury during the early morning hours of Aug. 2.

A subject involved in the incident fled the residence and was later located in South Sioux City, Neb. and detained by the South Sioux City Police Department while the investigation into the shooting was conducted. Detectives with the Sioux City Police Department determined that the victim and subject detained in South Sioux City were handling the firearm involved when it discharged striking the victim.

Once the investigation is complete, the matter will be referred to the Woodbury County Attorney's Office for consideration of charges.

At this time, the names of the victim or parties involved are not being released.

The investigation into this matter in on-going.

Three arrested after pursuit of car involved in shots fired report

The Sioux City Police Department arrested three people during the overnight hours of July 29 after pursuing a car involved in a report of shots being fired on the city’s near northside.

At about 12:56 am, officers responded to a report of male subject firing several shots into an unoccupied car that was parked in the 600 block of 13th St. causing damage to the car.

Witnesses described a red 2000 Chevy Impala as being the suspect vehicle involved in the shooting.

At 1:44 am, officers attempted to stop the Impala at W. 7th and Panoah St. but the driver refused to stop and attempted to elude officers at speeds around 100 miles per hour on the city’s west side. 

The fleeing car stopped after officers attempted a pursuit intervention technique or PIT maneuver and the occupants were apprehended by officers after bailing out of the car.

Arrested was 20-year-old Jason Rice of Sioux City who was charged with Criminal Mischief 2nd.

19-year-old Darling Carrillo of Sioux City who was charged with felony Eluding, Reckless Driving, Operating While Intoxicated, and Driving While License Suspended.

31-year-old Kara Thomas of Sioux City who was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Drug Paraphernalia.

All three subjects were booked into Woodbury Count Jail.

Suspect in Norfolk murder arrested in Sioux City

On July 24, information was obtained that 28-year-old Deshawn Gleaton of Norfolk Neb. who was wanted for a murder that had occurred that day was at an apartment complex in the 2600 block of S. Rustin St.

With the assistance from the United States Marshal’s Service, Iowa State Patrol, and the Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office, a search warrant was served for the apartment he was in during the early morning hours of July 26 and Gleaton was taken into custody without incident.

He was taken to Woodbury County Jail to await extradition.

Fatality accident on Vets Bridge leaves one man dean

Updated July 27 at 10:00 am

The name of the victim who died as a result of injuries sustained during an accident on Veterans Memorial Bridge on July 25 is 26-year-old Tyler Big Bow of Sioux City.

We want to express our sympathy to his family for their loss.

The accident remains under investigation.

ORIGINAL RELEASE on July 25 at 6:00 am

On 07-25-2020 Officers of the Sioux City Police Department responded to the Veteran's Memorial Bridge for a report of a single vehicle crash. The vehicle was driven by a 26 year old male. A female passenger and a male passenger were present in the vehicle as well. The driver was transported by ambulance to Mercy Medical Center where he was declared deceased due to the injuries sustained in the collision. Both passengers were also transported by ambulance to Mercy Medical Center; the female passenger for serious injuries and the male passenger for non life-threatening injuries.

The vehicle involved was a blue 2015 Chevy Equinox that was northbound on Veteran's Memorial Bridge. The driver lost control of the vehicle which then collided with a concrete barrier on the roadside, causing significant damage to the vehicle.

The names of the persons involved are not being released at this time. The incident continues to be under investigation.

Two men arrested for Near Northside home burglary

On July 23 at approximately 3:32 PM, officers of the Sioux City Police Department were dispatched to the 1600 block of Ingelside Ave for two males kicking in the back door of a residence.

Two males gained entry into the residence and threaten to injure an adult male and female. Both males fled on foot and were apprehended by SCPD three blocks away from the scene.

Trey RedOwl (28 years old) of Sioux City, IA was charged with Burglary 2nd, carrying a weapon, simple eluding, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Michael Thomas Jr (28 years old) of Sioux City, IA was charged with Burglary 2nd and simple eluding.

The victims received no injuries during the encounter.

Iowa-Nebraska NAACP & Iowa Police Chiefs Association announce statewide law enforcement Equity Task Force

Iowa City, Iowa…On May 25, 2020, we watched in horror as George Floyd tragically lost his life while in the custody of Minneapolis police officers. The callousness and disregard shown for Mr. Floyd is sickening and leaves everyone, including police officers across this nation, shocked, appalled, and infuriated. The tactics demonstrated by this officer were reprehensible. The Iowa Police Chiefs Association joins our nation in condemning the actions of these officers.

Since the death of Mr. Floyd, law enforcement has observed many protests, both non-violent and violent, and we have witnessed regrettable confrontations between citizens and law enforcement officers.

The Iowa Police Chiefs Association strongly supports freedom of speech and the right to peacefully protest. Although difficult to recognize right now, Iowa policing has made significant advancements in recent years. Police leaders across our nation have acknowledged the misdeeds of the past and have sought out community partners to build a better future. The Iowa Police Chiefs Association is renewing those efforts by forming a Law Enforcement Vision for Equality Task Force. IPCA President Rob Burdess, Newton Police Chief, and the Iowa-Nebraska NAACP State Area Conference of Branches President Betty C. Andrews are announcing the formation of this task force to create a common ground to develop proposals for necessary change, as well as to provide a communication mechanism to improve relations between law enforcement and all community members equally. The purpose of this task force is to allow for open communication between various groups about concerns or recommendations related to improving law enforcement procedures and relations with diverse stakeholders. This open exchange will allow for all parties to have their voice heard with an open mind towards understanding what is currently happening in our communities, why it is happening, and what we can collaboratively do to improve on it. This effort will allow the various groups to get familiar with each other and to develop trusting relationships that will allow for an open exchange of ideas.

“Despite the advances that Iowa law enforcement has made in recent years, there is clearly more work ahead. Iowa’s police executives, and the officers they lead, must embrace the concerns and criticism being voiced and re-examine their policies and approach” states President Burdess. “At the same time, while policing is the focus, community members and elected officials must realize they play a crucial role in moving constructive efforts forward.”

“It is undeniable that now is the time for improving law enforcement and community relationships. Those relationships are authenticated by transparent practices and engaged citizens.” Said Betty C. Andrews, President of the Iowa Nebraska NAACP. “Through establishing this statewide Law Enforcement Equity Task Force, the Iowa Police Chiefs Association is poised to ensure unbiased policing in our state. This includes building on recent improvements and also addressing racial profiling, hiring practices, citizens review boards, officers living in the communities they police, and a number of other challenging topics” She said.

Past IPCA President, Chief Jeremy Logan, Oelwein Police Department, and Iowa City NAACP President Kevin Sanders will chair the task force of stakeholders.

Members of the Law Enforcement Vision for Equality Task Force are:

Kevin Sanders President, Iowa City NAACP, Co-Chair, State Criminal Justice Committee

Chief Jeremy Logan Oelwein Police Department

Chief Tim Carmody Council Bluffs Police Chief-ILEA Council Member

Chief Rex Mueller Sioux City Police Department

Chief Daniel Banks Hudson Police Department

Sheriff Lonnie Pulkrabek Johnson County Sheriff

Sheriff Tony Thompson Black Hawk County

Sheriff Sheriff Jason Sandholt Marion County Sheriff

Comm. Stephen Bayens Iowa Department of Public Safety Commissioner

Lt. Ryan Doty Des Moines Police Department

Brian Guy Retired Clinton Police Department Chief – Form Chair of the ILEA Council

Joe Gonzalez Retired Des Moines Police Department Lieutenant

Ike Rayford President, Sioux City NAACP

Monique Scarlett Unity in the Community Founder

About the NAACP Founded in 1909, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its half-million adult and youth members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities and monitor equal opportunity in the public and private sectors. The Iowa-Nebraska NAACP State Conference of Branches was founded in 1939.

SCPD STAFF AND COVID-19 UPDATE APRIL 21

Several members of the Sioux City Police Department were diagnosed positive for COVID-19. These employees have been recovering and the SCPD is seeing many of these individuals return to work following Public Health and physician approval. As a public safety agency, we thought it appropriate to release limited information in the interest of transparency.

Among the SCPD staff impacted were 9 individuals of various positions with the SCPD to include the police chief, a police captain, two police lieutenants, a police sergeant, police officer and 3 civilian staff members.

These employees worked in close proximity in two offices on 2nd floor of police headquarters and were not in positions that worked closely with the public. Most reported mild symptoms following their diagnosis with two having to seek medical treatment. Since the diagnosis of these individuals, no other officers or employees have been diagnosed with COVID-19, and the department continues to operate with full staffing to respond to 911 calls and provide essential services.

The department continues to employ policies and procedures to mitigate the exposure of officers and employees, as well as to mitigate any chance of spreading the virus. We are working to seek the highest level of caution and safety for our SCPD team as well as the citizens that we serve.

The SCPD also appreciates the outpouring of support and assistance from the community following the discovery of cases within our department. We were overwhelmed with the support of community members and their desire to provide resources to the officers and staff to assist them in staying healthy as they continued their work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The chief has spoken to several of the department’s members to gauge their interest in speaking to the media about their symptoms and experience with the virus. Because this is a privacy issue, we do not intend to mandate these employees speak publicly. Several have expressed willingness to speak out, and when a final group is determined, we will notify our partners in the media so that interviews can be arranged.

Updated April 21, 2020 at 1:20 pm

Arrest made in Morningside Murder

UPDATE - The name of the victim of the murder that occurred on April 14 at 3811 Peters Ave Apt. #5 is 55-year-old Lisa Belk of Sioux City.

We wish to express our deepest sympathies to her family for their loss.

The other victim was a 28-year-old female who was treated and released for injuries she sustained. She is the daughter of the Lisa Belk. Her name is not being released at this time out of respect for her privacy.

Paul Belk, who has been charged for this matter, is the son of Lisa Belk and a brother to the other adult victim.

This incident stemmed from some sort of disturbance between the involved parties. Detectives are still investigating the exact details as this is an on-going investigation.

ORIGINAL RELEASE - On 4/14/20 at 18:11 hours, Sioux City Police Department Officers were dispatched to 3811 Peters Ave #5 for a disturbance.  Upon arrival, officers located two victims with stab wounds.  Both of these parties were transported to MercyOne Medical Center.  One of the victims received serious injuries, and one of the victims died as a result of the wounds. 

The arrested party is, Paul Belk from Beaufort, South Carolina. 30 years old

He has been charged with 1st Degree Murder and Willful Injury Class D.

No further information is being released at this time pending notification of family.

Police and Fire Headquarters lobby closed

Amid concerns regarding COVID-19, the City of Sioux City is taking every possible precaution to protect the health and safety of its employees and residents while continuing to deliver high quality service.

As part of this effort, the lobby of the Police & Fire Headquarters has been closed to visitors.

If you require Immediate emergency assistance, please call 911.

If you wish to make a report with an officer, call 712-279-6960 and an officer will be sent to your location or contact you.

If you wish to obtain a copy of a police report or need a tow release, call 712-279-6440.

If you are requesting the return of property, call 712-279-6977.

If you wish to speak to the Fire Department, call 712-279-6314.

If you do not have a phone, there is a video doorbell in the middle of the station doors that will be answered.

Until further notice, the department is not taking fingerprints.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your cooperation.

Possibly impaired driver causes accident in interstate after traveling the wrong way

At approximately 6:30 am on Dec. 7 a Chevy pickup was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes on Interstate 29. The pickup truck struck a SUV nearly head-on between the 148 and 147B exits.

A Sioux City woman in the SUV sustained non-life threatening injuries and was transported to Mercy One.

The pickup continued on in the wrong direction to the area of the railroad bridge where it was spotted by a SCPD officer on his way home from the night shift. The officer observed the vehicle run into the concrete barrier repeatedly before going back northbound on the interstate with no lights. The officer relayed this information to officers approaching the area until losing sight of the pickup truck.

A WCSO Deputy spotted the vehicle getting on the Gordon Viaduct eastbound after Woodbury Communications received a call from a citizen following the vehicle off the interstate. The pickup truck failed to stop for the deputy, at which time a SCPD officer forced the vehicle to a stop. Both the Gordon Viaduct eastbound and I-29 northbound were completely closed for a short time while the scenes were processed and injured tended to.

The pickup truck driver, 32 year old Nickolas Diediker of Concord, NE, was charged with OWI, felony eluding, leaving the scene of an injury accident, no proof of insurance, reckless driving, no headlights, and driving the wrong way on a divided highway.

Agencies involved in the incident were the Sioux City Police Department, Sioux City Fire / Rescue, Woodbury County Sheriff's Office, Iowa DNR, Iowa State Patrol, and Sergeant Bluff Police Department.

Arrests and charges noted in this matter are considered merely an accusation. Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Arrest made in downtown parking lot robbery

On Dec. 5 at about 9:44 pm, the Sioux City Police Department received a report of a robbery in the Hard Rock Casino parking lot at 111 3rd St.

The victim reported to officers that a male approached his vehicle, displayed a firearm, and demanded the vehicle and money. The suspect fled the area after taking an undisclosed amount of cash from the victim.

A short time later, officer located the suspect a short distance away and took him onto custody.

Charged with 1st degree robbery was 26-year-old Robert W. Anderson of San Antonio, Texas.

We would like to thank the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino for their assistance in this matter. Their contribution and dedicated to the security of their guests helped with the quick apprehension of the Anderson.

Sioux City Police Department to partner with Iowa Alcohol Beverages Division for tobacco, alternative nicotine, and vapor product education and enforcement

The Sioux City Police Department has taken a pledge to keep tobacco, alternative nicotine, and vapor products out of the hands of Sioux City youth.

Known as I-PLEDGE, the program is a partnership with the Iowa Alcohol Beverages Division (ABD) to educate local retailers and to enforce Iowa’s tobacco, alternative nicotine, and vapor product laws. Since the program’s inception in 2000, the statewide tobacco compliance rate has grown to 91%. By participating in the program, the Sioux City Police Department has committed to do its part to increase the compliance rate even more this year.

I-PLEDGE places emphasis on retailer training. Clerks who successfully complete an online training course and then pass an exam will become I-PLEDGE certified. This allows a retail establishment to use an affirmative defense against civil penalty if the certified clerk makes an illegal sale.

“I-PLEDGE’s retailer training is a great way for clerks to prepare themselves to refuse illegal tobacco, alternative nicotine, and vapor product sales,” said Chief Rex Mueller. “The training also assists retailers to ensure they maintain a compliant and responsible establishment.”

Officers will also be conducting compliance checks on local establishments as part of the I-PLEDGE as part of the I-PLEDGE program. Underage customers, under the supervision of law enforcement officials, will enter establishments and attempt to buy tobacco, alternative nicotine, and vapor products. Clerks who make the illegal sale will be cited on the spot.

Criminal penalties for selling tobacco, alternative nicotine, and vapor products to a minor include $100 fine for a first offense, a $250 fine for a second offense, and a $500 fine for a third and subsequent offenses. However, handing out citations is the intent of the I-PLEDGE program. It is the sincere hope of the department that all clerks are found to be in compliance with Iowa laws and refuse to sell tobacco products, nicotine alternative, and vapor products to minors.

“By partnering with the Alcohol Beverages Division, we hope to educate clerks and maintain a compliant retail environment in our community,” said Mueller. “Moreover, it is our pledge to help keep tobacco, alternative nicotine, and vapor products out of the hands of Sioux City’s youth.

To tale the I-PLEDGE training or search certification records, go to https://abd.iowa.gov/.

Officers investing shots fired at 2300 41st St

On Nov. 1 at about 7:34 pm, the Sioux City Police Department received a report of several shots being fired at 2300 41st St.

Officers determined that a car pulled up to the residence, several subjects got out and confronted a 14-year-old juvenile at the residence. Fearing for his safety, he ran inside the residence.

Shortly after that, someone in the group fired about seven shots. Officers located three places where bullets stuck the house.

At the time of the shooting, there was one adult and three teenaged juveniles in the residence. No one was injured in the incident.

The vehicle involved is described as a black 2000’s Chevy Tahoe.

Detectives investigating the matter believe they have identified a suspect and are continuing to investigate the motive for the shooting.

At this time, this an ongoing investigation.

Arrest made for stolen vehicle

On Oct. 28 at about 1:00 p.m. the Sioux City Police Department took a report of a 2003 GMC Sierra being stolen from the 400 block of Market Street. It is believed the suspect took the keys from the owner's residence without his knowledge or permission.

Later that evening, at about 12:40 a.m. officers located the vehicle in the area of 3rd and Lewis Blvd. The truck was stopped in the 2900 block of 2nd St. and the driver got out of the vehicle and ran from police. He was located a short time later after a K-9 was used to track him. He surrendered without further resistance.

Arrested was 33-year-old Kelly Coop of Sioux City. He was taken to Woodbury County Jail on charges of 2nd degree Theft, Driving While License Suspended, and Fail to Obey a Peace Officer.

Also arrest was 32-year-old Olga Vasquez of West Point Nebraska who was a passenger in the truck. She had a warrant for her arrest and was charged with Providing False Information.

Shots fired in the 2500 block of W. 6th St.

On Oct. 23 at about 5:16 pm, the Sioux City Police Department received a report of shots being fired in the 2500 block of W. 6th St.

Officers that responded to the area did not locate any victims but pistol caliber shell casings were located. It it not known at this time who the intended target was or the reason for it.

A red Cadillac CTS with Iowa plates occupied by a male was seen in the area and possibly was involved. Officers are looking for information on the car and it is driver.

This is an on-going investigation.

Anyone with information on this incident should contact the Sioux City Police Department or call Crimestoppers at 258-TIPS (8477).

SCAM ALERT - Sidewalk replacement scam

If you have been notified by the city that your concrete sidewalk needs to be replace, the City of Sioux City wants you to know that you should contact a licensed and insured concrete contractor. The city does not send contractors to your door.

Recently, some home owners are being contacted by a concrete contractor at their door. The contractor is offering to repair and install their sidewalk. This contractor states that if they do not have him replace their concrete the city will automatically replace it and then access them the cost. He claims this cost is much higher than the rate he is offering.

Do not feel pressured to hire a contractor who comes to your door. Home owners should research all contractors to ensure they are appropriately licensed and insured before hiring.