Shooting on Ingleside - SCPD #22-6619

On March 17, detectives charged 21-year-old Carlos D. Mejia of Sioux City with attempted murder, willful jury, and intimidation with a dangerous weapon for the shooting that occurred on March 14 at 1923 Ingleside.

Mejia had arranged for the adult-female victim to come to his residence to get money from him to use for the purchase of methamphetamine. When the victim arrived, she sent another woman to the door to get the money and Meija sent her away and asked for the victim.

When the victim came to the door, Mejia beckoned her inside where he was waiting in the kitchen. When she entered the back entry, Mejia had a gun in hand fired one bullet as she tried to flee. The victim suffered a gunshot wound to her abdomen which she sought medical treatment for. She is recovering at home. Mejia was booked into the Woodbury County Jail.

Original Release on March 14, 2022 at 9:36 p.m. – On March 14 at 1:50 p.m., the Sioux City Police Department received a report of a burglary to residence at 1923 Ingleside Ave. in which the caller stated a subject armed with a knife broke into his home and he fired a shot at her.

A few minutes later, an adult-female suffering from a gunshot wound came into MercyOne. She was treated for a serious injury and at the time of this release was still in the hospital. Officers determined that the woman with the gunshot wound was the person involved in the shooting on Ingleside. The adult-male resident reported that he shot the woman after she entered his home armed with a knife.

Detectives are continuing their investigation and are waiting to speak to the female who was injured.

At the time of this release, no charges have been filed. We are not releasing the names of the people

involved at this time.

Any arrest/charge noted in this report should be considered merely an accusation. Any defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Preliminary crime statistics for 2021

Chief Rex Mueller has presented the preliminary crime statistics for 2021 to the City Council. The preliminary statistics were compiled by the department’s Crime Analysis section and the official statistics may change slightly once the FBI has reviewed them.

Comparing 2021 to 2020, the department is reporting a 4% rise in overall violent crime with overall property crimes down by 4%. The department also looks at the trend of crimes reported over a five-year period.

“Clearly the continued rise in violent crime is a cause for concern,” said Mueller in his memo to the City Council on the statistics. “Many of these violent crimes are gun related, and current departmental initiatives are doing a very good job of identifying and prosecuting our most dangerous local offenders.”

The department continues to utilize a “major offender” approach to identify, investigate, and charge those committing violence in the community. The department also partners with other area agencies to share vital evidence and intelligence in these investigations. Finally, the department works with local and federal prosecutors to ensure that violent offenders receive appropriate sentences for their crimes.

Mueller credited increased efforts by residents and businesses to help reduce property crime rates. The department makes efforts to inform and educate the public on ways to prevent crime and reduce opportunities for thieves.

The department reports statistical data the FBI yearly and had bene reporting utilizing the Uniform Crime Reports (UCR) system but is changing the National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS).  Whereas UCR utilized aggregates of the monthly tally of crimes, NIBRS is more detailed and provides circumstance and context for crimes like location, time of day, and whether the incident was cleared (https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/ucr/nibrs).

The official numbers for Sioux City will not be finalized until later in the year.

Correction: Chart was changed due to an error on the first chart, numbers were transposed.  Highlighted area indicates where the correction was made.

Suspects sought in Riverside shooting SCPD #22-3986

On February 14 at 12:54 p.m., the Sioux City Police Department received reports of shots being fired at Riverside Blvd. and W. 19th St. in Sioux City.

Responding officers did not locate any victims of a shooting as all subjects involved had fled the area. 

Officers canvassed the area and were able to locate shell casings and security camera video of the vehicles involved.

It appears at this time that the incident started in the 2400 block of Riverside Blvd., when an unidentified subject possibly in a late 2000s Nissan Versa fired several shots at another unknown subject in a newer dark gray Ford Escape.

Both cars left that area and traveled south on Riverside Blvd when the Ford Escape stopped at the intersection with W. 19th, exited his vehicle, and fired shots at the Nissan.

Both cars fled eastbound on W. 19th St. before officers arrived.

At the time of this release, no one has come forward as being a victim of the shooting. Officers did not locate any property that appeared to have been struck by bullets.

Officers are looking for a newer dark gray Ford Escape driven by a white male possibly with a beard and a light gray or white 2000’s Nissan Versa hatchback that is missing hubcaps on the passenger side.

Anyone involved in this or who had information on the identity of these subjects are asked to call the Sioux City Police Department at 279-6960.

Barricaded gunman in 1100 block of Grandview Blvd. - SCPD #22-3625

Feb. 10 at 5:27 p.m. - On February 10 at 11:33 a.m. a detective and officers with the Sioux City Police Department located an armed robbery suspect at 14th and Summit St. in Sioux City.

The suspect, who was identified as 36-year-old Emanuel L. Pleitez, was detained by officers to be transported the police station for questioning.

Officers handcuffed Pleitez behind his back and patted him down before placing him in the back of a patrol car.

While driving to the station, in the 1100 block of Grandview, Pleitez told the officer that he had a gun and was going to shoot.

The officer, who was by herself, immediately stopped her car and requested assistance. When another officer arrived on scene, they looked in the back seat and saw that Pleitez, who was still handcuffed behind his back, was armed with a sub-compact style handgun.

Officers backed away and established a perimeter as there was no safe way to remove Pleitez from the car. As additional resources arrived, trained Crisis Negotiators began speaking with him.

As this incident was occurring near a high school, the department contacted the school as a precaution and requested that they shelter in place so that a student would not wander out of the school and into the scene active incident scene.

Negotiations continued for over an hour to get Pleitez to drop the gun and surrender. When it appeared that negotiations were not working, officers and a Woodbury County Deputy approached the car in order to deploy a chemical munition.

As officers neared the car, Pleitez said he was going to shoot and shots could be heard coming from within the car. Officers deployed tear gas into the car through a window he had broken out. Within seconds, he surrendered without further resistance.

Pleitez was immediately provided aid and transported to MercyOne Medical Center to be treated for exposure to chemical irritants and minor laceration from the broken window glass.

As shots had been fired at officers, the Sioux City Police Department requested that the Iowa Department of Public Safety Division of Criminal Investigation conduct the investigation of the shooting.

No Sioux City Police Officers or Woodbury County Deputies fired their weapons during this incident and no one was injured when the shots were fired.

An internal review of this incident will also be conducted by the Sioux City Police Department.

The robbery that Pleitez was being sought for had occurred on January 30 in the Greenville area of Sioux City. That investigation is on-going at this time.

At the time of this release, Pleitez was still being evaluated at the hospital.

As another agency is investigating this matter, we are unable to release any additional information at this time.

Local law enforcement agencies conduct traffic enforcement project on I29

On evening of Dec. 29, five law enforcement agencies conducted a traffic enforcement project focusing on I29 in Woodbury County.

The Dept. of Public Safety Motor Vehicle Enforcement, Iowa State Patrol, Sergeant Bluff Police Department, Sioux City Police Department, and Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office participated in the project.

During the project, 135 cars were stopped for various violations in total with 54 cars being stopped for speeding. In all, 187 citations were issued, and 146 warnings were given.

Arrests were made for an outstanding warrant, possession of 4 grams of methamphetamine, and 20 grams of marijuana.

A highlight of the evening was that none of the drivers stopped were impaired from drugs or alcohol in violation of Iowa’s operating while intoxicated law. 

These multi-agency projects are an effort to increase safety for those traveling on I29.

Investigations made into threats against schools on Dec. 14 - SCPD #21-36549 & 21-36565

On Dec. 14 the Sioux City Police Department was made aware of a threat made towards East High School in Sioux City that was posted on social media in which a person posted a picture of a gun and said they were on their way to the school.

The department’s priority is the safety of students and had additional officers in the area of the school while the school implemented their safety measures.

Investigators were able to determine the person responsible for the threat and located her.

Their investigation found that the 14-year-old female had created the post with the intent to cause alarm but had no plan for carrying out the threat. The juvenile had created a fake profile on Snapchat and made threats to use a weapon at the school.

The juvenile was taken to Woodbury County Juvenile Detention and charged with class d felony terrorism threats and harassment.

Earlier in the day, the department was made aware of a threat that was made towards West High School and worked with the school to ensure the safety of the students.

Investigators quickly identified and located the 15-year-old male responsible for the posts and have referred him to the County Attorney’s Office for appropriate charges.

The department is committed to protecting the safety of students in our schools. We work closely with all schools to ensure that any threat made is thoroughly investigated. We continually review procedures with the schools that are used to protect students.

We appreciate the students and parents who brought this to the immediate attention of the school and the department.

Identification made of body recovered from Big Sioux River in August - SCPD #21-24517

On Aug 21 at 6:05 p.m., the Sioux City Police Department responded to a report of a body being found in the Big Sioux River.

Due to the state of decay of the remains, detectives had to seek the assistance of the State Crime Lab and to use DNA to make a positive identification.

On Dec. 2, the lab notified the department that the person was positively identified as 24-year-old Franky Muritok of Sioux City.

We wish to express our sympathies to his family for their loss.

Muritok was reported missing on Aug. 15 after he had left to take his dog for a walk and did not return home. His dog was located tied up next to the river.

At this time, there is no indication of foul play and Muritok’s death appears to be accidental.

Pursuit of stolen car ends after PIT maneuver - SCPD #21-35320

On Dec. 2 at 8:12 a.m., the Sioux City Police Department received a report a suspicious car in the parking lot of the Sioux City Country Club, 4001 Jackson St.

The complainant provided a plate for the car and indicated that the driver of the suspicious car was showing signs of intoxication.

The car, a 2014 Kia Sorento, had been reported stolen on Nov. 29 to the department.

Officers located the car at 37th and Jackson Streets and attempted to stop the car. The driver of the car refused to yield to officers and attempted to elude them.

The pursuit ended after officers conducted a pursuit intervention technique or PIT maneuver in the 2300 block of Riverside Blvd. and the female driver was taken into custody without further resistance.

Arrested was 26-year-old Makayla C. Nellist of Sioux City. She was charged with 1st degree theft, felony eluding, and operating while intoxicated. Additional traffic violations that occurred during the pursuit will be pending further review of in-car-cameras.

No injuries were reported and the stolen car and a police car received minor damage. No other cars or property were damaged during the pursuit.

The Iowa State Patrol provide assistance during the pursuit.

Pedestrian dies after being struck by car at W. 4th & Bluff St. - SCPD #21-35220

Officers identified 71-year-old David Biddle of Sioux City as the victim in the pedestrian accident on Dec. 1 at W. 4th and Bluff Streets.

We wish to express our sympathies to his family for their loss.

No charges have been filed against the driver of the SUV that struck Biddle.

Original Release on Dec. 1, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. - On Dec. 1, at 8:13 a.m., the Sioux City Police Department and Sioux City Fire and Rescue responded to a report of a pedestrian being struck at the intersection of W. 4th St. and Bluff St.

Officers found that an adult-male had been crossing the street at the intersection, stopped to pick something up in the street, and then was struck by a small SUV that had been traveling eastbound on W. 4th St.

The male victim was transported to MercyOne with critical injuries where he succumbed to his injuries a short time later. His name will not be released pending notification of his next of kin.

The SUV was operated by a juvenile-female who reported that she was not able to see the pedestrian due to the sun obscuring her vision.

Investigating officers are also looking for the occupants of white full-sized pick-up truck that had stopped shortly after the accident occurred and may be witnesses. It was occupied by two people who left before officers arrived on scene. The persons in this truck are asked to contact the Sioux City Police Department at 279-6960. (NOTE: This vehicle was located and officers have spoken to the occupants)

Based on witness accounts and available video evidence, it does not appear that the SUV involved was speeding.

The investigation into this accident is on-going at the time of this release.

Cariaga arrest - SCPD #21-28610, 21-24023, 21-24319, & 21-24307

On Sept. 28 at 10:00 a.m., officers with the Sioux City Police Department arrested 21-year-old Alexio C. Cariaga of Sioux City in the 3400 block of Gordon Dr. for multiple warrants stemming from incidents in August.

Officers saw Cariaga walking in a parking lot of a hotel and approached him as they knew he had warrants for his arrest.

Cariaga was wanted in connection to two incidents that occurred in August of this year. On Aug. 17, he used a firearm to take money from a woman with whom he had been in a relationship with and had a child with. Then on Aug. 19, he forcefully entered a residence in the 1600 block of 27th St., struck that same woman and another male in the head with a handgun. He later fled from officers after crashing his car into a pole at 29th and Jackson St..

Cariaga was booked into the Woodbury County Jail on warrants for 1st degree robbery, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm by a domestic abuser, 1st degree burglary, domestic abuse assault, and probation violation.

Original Release on August 20 at 3:22 p.m. - On August 19 at about 8:28 p.m., Officers responded to report of an assault at a residence in the 1600 block of 27th St. The suspect was not present when officers arrived.

Two adult victims reported being assaulted by the suspect who also was armed with a handgun. Minor injuries were reported. 

A short time later, just before 9:00 p.m., an officer spotted the suspect driving on Jackson St. but the suspect fled on foot after striking a pole at 29th and Jackson. 

Officers attempted to locate the suspect but where unsuccessful. A handgun was recovered from the suspects’ car. 

Shooing in the 200 block of Nebraska St - SCPD #21-28188

Update on Oct. 1 at 3:25 p.m. - On Oct. 1 at about 2:00 p.m., a 17-year-old juvenile male of Sioux City surrendered himself to detectives at the Sioux City Police Department and was charged with attempted murder, willful injury, intimidation with a weapon, going armed with intent, and trafficking in stolen firearms.

The juvenile was charged as an adult and taken to the Woodbury County Juvenile Detention Center.    

Update on Sept. 27 at 2:40 p.m. - Detectives with the Sioux City Police Department have requested that the Woodbury County Attorney’s Office drop charges filed on Sept. 25 against Eric-Jahim Word in connection to the shooting in the 200 block of Nebraska St. that left one man hospitalized.

Word’s arrest was based on available information at that time. As detectives continued their investigation, new information was discovered indicating that a witness intentionally misidentified Word as the person who fired the shots. Word was involved in the incident and fled before officers arrived.

The correct suspect has been identified and detectives are working with the County Attorney’s Office to file appropriate charges against that person.

Release on Sept. 25 at 10:30 a.m. – Detectives have arrested 19-year-old Eric-Jahim E. Word of Sioux City and charged him with attempted murder, going armed with intent, and trafficking in stolen weapons during the overnight hours for the shooting that occurred in the 200 block of Nebraska St. (NOTE: Charges against Eric-Jahim Word were dropped after it was found a witness had intentionally misidentified him as the shooter. A 17-year-old juvenile male was charged on Oct. 1 for this act.)

Also charged in connection to this incident were 39-year-old Joy-Esther A. Scott of Sioux City and 23-year-old Miracle J. Walls of Sioux City both of whom were charged with 2nd degree burglary.

Word, Scott, Walls and a 17-year-old juvenile male had been in vehicles that were following another adult female they had an on-going feud with. They eventually blocked her path on an access road in the 200 block of Nebraska St.

With the car stopped, Scott and Walls opened the woman’s car door and began to assault her causing her minor injuries.

It was at this time that the brother of the woman being assault arrived as she had been on the phone with him. He approached Word, Walls, and Scott to attempted to stop them.

The 17-year-old juvenile male produced a handgun and shot the brother twice, once in the back and once in the chest.

The male victim remains at MercyOne due to his injuries.

ORIGINAL RELEASE on Sept. 24 at 6:00 p.m. - On Sept. 24 at 3:10 p.m., the Sioux City Police Department received a report of a shots being fired in the 200 block of Nebraska St.

When officers arrived on scene, they located an adult-male suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. He was transported to MercyOne for treatment and at the time of this release, is still undergoing medical treatment.

Investigating officers determined that this shooting arose out of an on-going dispute between several of the people involved. Several cars containing the people involved stopped in the area of the 200 block of Nebraska St. The dispute was about to escalate into a physical altercation when the shots were fired. The victim of the shooting was involved in this altercation.

Detectives are interviewing several of the subjects involved and are following up on leads to determine who fired the shots. At the time of this release, the subject who fired the shots was not in custody and detectives are still following up on information provided to them.

This is an on-going investigation and an update will be sent when additional information is obtained.

Any arrest/charge noted in this report should be considered merely an accusation. Any defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Man arrested after damaging cars - SCPD #21-27678

On Sept. 20 at 3:18 a.m., the Sioux City Police Department responded to a report of a subject damaging cars parked next to an apartment building in the 1000 block of Pierce St.

Officers arrested 30-year-old Hagos T. Mengsteab of Sioux City and charged him with 8 counts of 4th degree criminal mischief after they determined that he had broken windows and dented parked cars by throwing rocks at them.

Mengsteab, who showed signs of intoxication, was involved in an argument with an unknown male and then started damaging the cars. The other male was not involved in causing any damage and was not charged in this matter.

The initial estimate of total damage caused is to be $2,800.

Any arrest/charge noted in this report should be considered merely an accusation. Any defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty

Man charged for firing gun at occupied car - SCPD #21-27288

On Sept. 16 at 5:22 p.m., the Sioux City Police Department responded to a report of shots being fired in the 700 block of Center St.

Officers located a vehicle involved in the shooting a short distance away and stopped it at W 4th St and Wesley Park Way. Officers detained the two men inside.

The investigation determined that the two men detained followed another car to a residence in the 700 block of Center St. and the passenger fired a shot at the car that was occupied by an adult male, an adult female, a 6-year-old child, and a 4-year-old child. No one was injured in the shooting.

Detectives charged 18-year-old Jalond J. Hills of Sioux City with terrorism and going armed with intent.

The driver of the car, 19-year-old Charles J. Sully of Sioux City, was charged with failure to provide financial security (no car insurance) but was not charged with the shooting as it appeared he was not aware of Hills intent to shoot at the other car.

The cause of the dispute that led to this shooting is still under investigation.

Any arrest/charge noted in this report should be considered merely an accusation. Any defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Man arrested after stabbing at convenience store - SCPD #21-26750

On Sept. 11 at 1:26 p.m., the Sioux City Police Department responded to a report of a stabbing at Sarge’s Minimart, 1545 Indian Hills Blvd.

Responding officers found a 24-year-old woman suffering from lacerations that required medical attention and a 26-year-old Jasper Symons of Sioux City suffering from minor injuries.

Officers detained 24-year-old Amari Barker of Sioux City at the scene as he had caused the injuries.

Officers and detectives determined that there was an on-going feud between Barker and a 19-year-old female, both of whom are employees of Sarge’s, and some subjects who live across the street in the 1600 block of Indian Hills.

The subjects in the residence on Indian Hills were holding a yard sale and Barker and the female placed a sign next to the road that disparaged the people living at that residence.

In response to the sign, Symons and the 24-year-old woman came over to the store and damaged vehicles belonging to Barker and the other employee and a physical altercation broke out between the parties.

Barker armed himself with two swords and attacked 24-year-old female causing her injury. Barker then threw a brick at Symons causing him injury.

Barker was charged with two counts of aggravated assault.

Symons was charged with criminal mischief for damaging the cars.

Both men were booked into the Woodbury County Jail.

Any arrest/charge noted in this report should be considered merely an accusation. Any defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Man dies after truck goes into Missouri River.

On Aug. 28 at 10:27 p.m., the Sioux City Police Department received a report of a pick-up truck that had lost control while traveling south on I29 at about mile marker 150 and drove into the Missouri River. 

Responding officers located where the vehicle went into the river and found that the vehicle was fully submerged. 

Sioux City Fire & Rescue and the Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 1 Dive Team began efforts to retrieve the vehicle from the water but were unsuccessful during the overnight hours due to conditions. 

On Aug. 29 recovery efforts resumed and at 11:21 a.m., divers were successful in recovering the truck from the water.

The remains of the driver were recovered in the vehicle and a positive identification has been made and we are in contact with his family.

Officers identified 69-year-old Gerald M. Reed of Smithland, Iowa as the driver of the pick-up truck that died after his vehicle went into the Missouri river on Aug. 28 near mile marker 150.

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

This accident is under investigation but it appears that the weather was a factor as this accident occurred during a period of heavy rain.

Arrest made in Esquire Club arson – SCPD #21-24584

One person has been identified and charged in connection to the arson at the Esquire Club (also known as the After Set), 414 W. 7th St.

Detectives have charged 36-year-old Valon Jackson of Sioux City with 2nd degree arson, 1st degree criminal mischief, and 3rd degree burglary.

On Aug. 22 at 8:18 a.m., Sioux City Fire & Rescue responded to the club after reports of a fire were received.

The fire department determined that the cause of the fire was arson and a total estimate of the damage is not known but it is estimated to be over $20,000.

Jackson, along with an unidentified male, forced a door open and set the fire.

The motivation for the arson appears to be animosity towards the club.

Initial descriptions of the second suspect were of a black male but video evidence obtained shows a white male with Jackson.

The investigation into this matter is on-going.

Three arrested for burglaries and possessing stolen weapons

Detectives with the Sioux City Police Department arrested three people on Aug. 20 in connection to several burglaries of homes and cars in the Morningside area of Sioux City that occurred during the month of August.

The suspects were identified using home security camera footage that was posted to social media by one of the victims. 

Arrested were 18-year-old Andrew M. Squibb of Sioux City who was charged with five counts of 3rd degree burglary, two counts of 2nd degree theft, two counts of 5th degree theft, and three counts of 4th degree criminal mischief.

A 17-year-old male was also arrested and charged with four counts of 3rd degree burglary, two counts of 2nd degree theft, two counts of 5th degree theft, and three counts of 4th degree criminal mischief.  

18-year-old Sarah R. Jordan of Sioux City was charged with 2nd degree theft for possessing stolen firearms.

Detectives served a search warrant on the residence and cars of the arrested parties and located several stolen items to include three rifles, a shotgun, a handgun, ammunition, and other items stolen in the burglaries.

Although the video footage that was captured showed the arrested persons hiding their faces, other information such as clothing and audio proved very beneficial in identifying the people involved and the clothing they wore. We would like to thank everyone that provided video footage and helped with this and other investigations.

There is an on-going investigation into other burglaries and thefts these subjects may have been involved in.

Roll-over fatality accident at 17th & Main – SCPD 21-22158

Update July 31 at 8:00 a.m.

Investigating officers identified 37-year-old Doua Lor of Sioux City as the victim of the fatal accident.

We wish to express our sympathy to her family for their loss.

The investigation into this accident is on-going and no charges have been filed at the time of this release.

Original release on July 30 at 8:30 a.m.

On July 29 at 11:35 p.m., the Sioux City Police Department and Sioux City Fire & Rescue responded to a report of a single car roll-over accident at 17th and Main St in Sioux City.

Responding officers found that a 2001 Chevy Tahoe had been traveling westbound on 17th St. when it lost control at the intersection with Main St., slid off the roadway, and rolled over, coming to rest on its side on the side of the road.

An adult female passenger was thrown from the vehicle and died as a result of her injuries. Her name will not be release until 24 hours after notification of her next of kin.

Two other adult male passengers, one in the front seat who was wearing a seat belt and one in the backseat who was not wearing a seat belt, were treated for apparent minor injuries.

The adult female driver, who was wearing a seat belt, had to be extricated from the vehicle and was also treated for apparent minor injuries. 

The initial investigation into the accident indicates that speed was a factor. The possibility of a mechanical issue with the brakes as well as the use of drugs or alcohol by the driver is part of an on-going investigation into the accident.

Corrections: the initial release stated both adult males involved in the accident were not wearing seat belts and the vehicle came to rest on its side and not its roof.

SCPD seeking identity of man suffering from medical condition – SCPD 21-22105

UPDATE July 29 at 1:43 p.m.

The man has been identified and we are in contact with his family.

Original Release on July 29 at 12:05 p.m.

On July 29 at 11:01 a.m., the Sioux City Police Department received reports of an adult male with no clothes on in the area of 3rd and Water St.

Officers located the man in the area of 5th and Wesley and approached him.

When officers made contact with the man, he became combative and tried to strike an officer and had to be restrained.

Once restrained, officers could tell that the person was suffering from a medical condition and was taken to MercyOne for medical treatment.

At the hospital, it was determined that he was suffering from a severe diabetic reaction and was unable to provide any information as to his identity.

The Sioux City Police Department is seeking the public’s help in identifying the man who is described as a white male in his 60s, balding gray hair, and a medium build. He is believed to live near the downtown area.

If you may possibly know who this person is, please call the Sioux City Police Department.