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.

Homicide in the 200 block of 21st ST – SCPD #21-24583

On August 22 at 9:28 a.m., the Sioux City Police Department received a report of a shooting at a residence in the 200 block of 21st St.  

When officers arrived, they located 41-year-old Jason Lafferty of Sioux City had been shot and died as a result of the injury.

Officers also located a male party in the residence that had shot the victim and took him into custody.

Detectives have charged 52-year-old Robert D. Buel of Sioux City with 2nd degree murder and booked him into the Woodbury County Jail.

The shooting occurred after the victim and Buel were in an argument and the victim went to the garage. Buel went into the garage armed with a shotgun and handgun and pointed the shotgun at the victim. Buel then set the shotgun down and shot the victim with a handgun.

Buel and the victim were acquaintances and both resided at the residence as roommates.

We want to express our sympathy to the family of Jason for their tragic loss.

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.

Detectives continue investigation into morning shooting – SCPD #21-21984

Update on July 31 at 12:00 a.m.

The Sioux City Police Department has arrested 20-year-old Tyronn Mallory of Sioux City and charged him with attempted murder, willful injury, and going armed with intent in connection to this incident.

Mallory was taken into custody on July 30 at 9:00 p.m. by officers of Sioux City Police Department and booked into the Woodbury County Jail.

Original Release on July 28 at 3:00 p.m.

On July 28 at 6:43 a.m., the Sioux City Police Department responded to MercyOne after a 33-year-old male who was suffering from three gunshot wounds was dropped off by then unknown subjects who fled the area.

The victim was taken to surgery to treat his injuries before being able to provide a full statement to officers about the shooting.  

Detectives with the Sioux City Police Department contacted the South Sioux City Police Department to assist in looking for the car that dropped the victim off at the hospital as it was described as driving into South Sioux City, Neb.

The vehicle was located a short time later at the Budget Inn, 1201 1st Ave South Sioux City, Neb., by the South Sioux City Police Department.

A search warrant was obtained to look for evidence of the shooting in the vehicle.

Based on statements made to detectives by subjects involved with the vehicle, it is believed the shooting may have occurred in the 400 block of 14th St. shortly before the victim was taken to MercyOne.  

The victim of the shooting is still recovering from his injuries at MercyOne and has been unable to provide any further statement to detectives. His identity is not being released at this time.

A motive for the shooting is not known and no suspects have been identified.

Anyone with information on this matter is encouraged to call the Sioux City Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 258-TIPS (8477).

Suspect in Mavericks shooting arrested - SCPD 20-38938

July 16, 2021 at 3:30 p.m.

Hammond, Ind. - Members of the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force took 26-year-old Rudy C. Johnson of Sioux City into custody on July 16, 2021.

Johnson had warrants for his arrest for a shooting that occurred at Mavericks back in December of 2020.

Detectives with the Sioux City Police Department notified the Northern Iowa Fugitive Task Force of Johnson's warrants and sought their assistance in apprehending him.

Based on their investigation and tips received, the Northern Iowa Fugitive Task Force developed information that Johnson had fled to Indiana in order to avoid prosecution. The Northern Iowa Fugitive Task Force notified the Great Lakes Regional Task Force in order to locate and apprehend Johnson.

Johnson is awaiting extradition back to Sioux City.

The Fugitive Task Force is under the control of the U.S. Marshal Service and the local task force includes a member of the Sioux City Police Department.

The purpose of the regional fugitive task forces is to combine the efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to locate and apprehend the most dangerous fugitives and assist in high profile investigations.

Dec. 23, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. - Suspect in Mavericks shooting identified - SCPD 20-38938

Detectives with the Sioux City Police Department have obtained warrants for the arrest of 26-year-old Rudy C. Johnson of Sioux City on charges of Willful Injury, Going Armed with Intent, Intimidation with a Dangerous Weapon, Assault while Participating in a Felony, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

Johnson is described as a Black male who is 5 foot 2 inches tall weighing 150 pounds. He is considered armed and dangerous.

Detectives are also looking for 20-year-old Tiara M. Norris of Sioux Falls, S.D. for questioning about her role in the shooting.

t is believed that Johnson and Norris fled to Sioux Falls after the shooting and maybe there.

The victim of this shooting, 28-year-old Krista M. Kruckenberg of Sioux Falls, is still at MercyOne being treated for her injuries. We are keeping in touch with her family, monitoring her progress, and wishing her a speedy recovery.

Kruckenberg is an employed as a waitress/bartender at Mavericks but was off that night and at the bar as a patron.

Just before the shooting, Kruckenberg was in the parking lot along with several other people observing a confrontation between two other people when the suspect, who was not involved in the fight, started shooting towards the fight.

Detectives are still trying to determine if Kruckenberg was the intended target or unintentionally struck.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Johnson are asked to call the Sioux City Police Department or Sioux Falls Police Department.

ORIGINAL RELEASE Dec. 20, 2020 5:10 a.m.

On 12/20/20 at approximately 1 :24 a.m., officers of the Sioux City Police Department were dispatched to Mavericks Gentlemen's Club for a shooting. Officers arrived on scene and observed an adult female laying on the ground outside in the parking lot suffering from multiple gun shots. Officers rendered aid to the female victim and she was transported to a local hospital.

The female victim is being treated for life-threatening injuries. The female victim name will not be released until all next of kin are notified.

Any arrest/charge noted in this report should be considered merely an accusation. Any defendant is presumed

Body identified in July 20th train bridge incident

On July 20 at 12:04 p.m., an individual was seen walking across the train bridge connecting Sioux City to South Sioux City. The person was witnessed falling into the river near the Iowa side. It is unclear as to whether the person fell, or intentionally jumped off the bridge.

Sioux City Fire Rescue and the South Sioux City Fire Department scrambled search and rescue boats to locate the person, to no avail.

On July 23 at 9:30 a.m., a boater discovered a body floating in the river about one mile north of Dakota City, Nebraska. Sioux City Fire Rescue recovered a body that matched the description from the incident on the train bridge on the July 20.

The body has been identified as 32-year-old Timmy Nawanna of Sioux City. We want to express our condolences to the Nawanna family.

Early morning shooting reported at after hours club - SCPD #21-19532

Updated July 6 at 12:00 p.m. - On July 4 at 3:25 a.m., the Sioux City Police Department responded to MercyOne for two subjects seeking treatment for injuries from a shooting. One person was suffering a non-life-threatening gunshot wound and the other had minor lacerations.

A short time after receiving that report, reports of shots being fired at the after-hours club After Set (also known as Esquire) in the 400 block of W. 7th St. were received.

Responding officers located evidence of a shooting and indications of someone being injured in the incident.

The subjects seeking treatment at MercyOne are believed to have been the victims of the shooting but they refused to cooperate with the investigation.

Detectives are pursuing leads developed based on witness statements and other evidence collected at the shooting.

Anyone with information on this matter is encouraged to call the Sioux City Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 258-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at www.siouxcitypolice.com/crimestoppers.

Original Release July 4 at 5:30 a.m. - On 7-4-2021 at approximately 0325, Sioux City Police responded to Mercy One for two subjects who entered the hospital with apparent gunshot wounds. A short time after, Sioux City Police were dispatched to 414 w. 7th St, the Esquire Club, for a “shots fired” call. Upon arrival, officers were able to locate evidence a shooting had occurred, and likely persons were injured from the incident. At this time, the Sioux City Police Department is conducting an investigation and anyone with information on this incident should call 258-TIPS (8477).

Suspect in shots call apprehended in South Dakota – SCPD# 21-18782

On June 27 at 2:38 p.m., the Sioux City Police Department received a report of shots being fired in the 1800 block of Grandview Blvd.

Responding officers found an unoccupied van had been shot multiple times. No one was injured in the shooting.

The owner of the van stated her estranged common-law-husband had been there looking for the van and had contacted her looking for the keys, which she refused to give to him.

Witnesses provided a description of the suspect and the vehicle he fled in.

A short time later, law enforcement officers in South Dakota located the suspect car which had been described a white Ford Explorer and pursued it after it ran from a traffic stop.

After a pursuit involving North Sioux City Police, Elk Point Police, Union County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Dakota State Patrol, the suspect and the female driver were apprehended after tire deflation devices were used on the fleeing car.

Taken into custody were 41-year-old Anwar Maxwell and 30-year-old Tiana J. Maxey, both of Milwaukee, Wisc.

Maxey was charged in South Dakota on traffic charges related to the pursuit and booked into the Union County Jail. 

Maxwell was brought to MercyOne in Sioux City for medical treatment after South Dakota State Patrol Trooper used less lethal rounds to subdue him and for an unknown medical complaint.

Once at MercyOne, the Sioux City Police Department assumed custody of Maxwell. He was booked into the Woodbury Count Jail for felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver cocaine, drug tax stamp violation, reckless use of a firearm, criminal mischief, and a warrant from Wisc.  

Please contact the South Dakota State Patrol for further details on the pursuit in South Dakota.

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

Celebrate respectfully: Know the fireworks laws in Sioux City

Sioux City Police to participate in traffic safety initiatives this summer

The Sioux City Police Department is partnering with the Iowa Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau and will be participating in several traffic safety initiatives this summer to help make Sioux City roads safer.

One of the initiatives will focus on impaired drivers. The Sioux City Police Department will be teaming up with the Iowa State Patrol and Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office on June 10 to look for impaired drivers. This is part of a week-long effort in the state to get impaired drivers off the road.

The department will also be participating in an effort to increase pedestrian safety. Officers will look for violations of the law relating to cross walks. The goal is to increase driver awareness of pedestrians and crosswalk safety. Officers will also be addressing pedestrians that cross streets in unsafe manners. This project will be conducted for several weeks this summer.

These initiatives are being funded by grants provided by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau. The Sioux City Police Department is also working with the Iowa Traffic Fatality Reduction Task Force.

Iowa’s multi-discipline Traffic Fatality Reduction Task Force was created in 2021 to implement educational, enforcement and legislative initiatives to help Iowa achieve the target of less than 300 traffic fatalities annually, with the ultimate goal of zero fatalities. Enforcement is one key element to reduce fatalities. The task force is led by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau, the Iowa Department of Transportation and the Iowa State Patrol. For more information on the task force and its work, contact Pat Hoye, Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau at 515-725-6120 or hoye@dps.state.ia.us.

Suspect sought in shooting on W. 19th

UPDATE July 2 at 5:11 p.m - The U.S. Marshal Service Fugitive Task Force apprehended Corey D. Smith you in a vehicle outside of Dakota City, Neb. on July 2 around 4:30 p.m.

June 6 at 2:45 a.m. - (updated to include suspect description) On 6/5/2021 at approximately 10:22 hours, officers of the Sioux City Police Department were dispatched to the Hearthstone Apartments, 2300 block of W. 19th Street, Sioux City, IA for a shooting.

Officers arrived on scene and observed an adult male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to his lower part of his body. Officers rendered aid to the male victim and the victim was transported to a local hospital where he was treated and released a short time later.

The shooter has been identified as 22-year-old Corey Deonte Smith of Sioux City, IA. Smith is considered armed and dangerous. Smith is 5 foot 11 inches, weighs 160 lbs, and has tattoos on his arms, chest, and neck.

The victim's name will not release until after 24 hours.

The investigation is still ongoing and no further information will be released at this time.

*Information contained in this release is considered an accusation and any one listed is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Corey D. Smith

Fatal motorcycle on May 11 at 3290 N. Martha - SCPD #21-13654

Update May 13 at 8:00 a.m. - Investigators with the Sioux City Police Department identified 28-year-old Danny J. Sams of Sioux City as the victim of the single vehicle accident on May 11 at 3290 N. Martha St.

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

A 33-year-old female was also injured in the accident and taken to a local hospital to be treated for her injuries. Her name is not being released at this time.

Traffic accident investigators are continuing their investigation into the accident.

Original Release on May 12 at 2:30 a.m. - Investigation into fatal accident at 3290 North Martha St. is on going - SCPD #21-13654

The Sioux City Police Department responded to a accident involving injuries on May 11 at 10:33 p.m. at 3290 North Martha St. involving a motorcycle and a mobile home.

Responding officers found that a 1988 Harley Davidson motorcycle operated by a 28-year-old man had been driving eastbound at the Tallview Trailer Court and struck a new mobile home that was parked on the side of the road awaiting to be placed in a lot. After the collision there was a fire that burned the motorcycle and the rear portion of the mobile home. SCFD extinguished the fire and the male driver was transported to the hospital.

The male driver died due to the injuries sustained from the accident.

Traffic Investigators with the department are investigating contributing circumstances of the accident.

At this time, no charges have been filed as the investigation into the accident is ongoing.

The names of the parties involved are not being released at this time.

May 1st homicide investigation - #21-12511

Updated May 3, 2021 at 9:55 a.m. - The Sioux City Police Department has identified 22-year-old Martez L. Harrison of Sioux City as the victim in this weekend’s murder.

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

Arrested was 17-year-old Dwight C. Evans of Sioux City who was charged with 1st degree murder, going armed with intent, possession of a controlled substance – marijuana, failure to affix a tax stamp, and assault while participating in a felony. He has been charged as an adult.

Also arrested was 20-year-old Lawrence G. Canady of Sioux City who was charged with willful injury, assault while participating in a felony, assault causing bodily injury or mental illness, and using a juvenile to commit an indictable offense.

The investigation found that Harrison was outside of a bar in the 1400 block of W. 3rd St. waiting for a ride when a verbal altercation started between himself and Canady.

When Harrison’s girlfriend arrived to pick him up, Canady assaulted her and Harrison attempted to intervene.

As Harrison and Canady engaged in a physical altercation, Evans began firing a handgun at Harrison and shot him at close range. Canady continued striking Harrison after he had been shot and was lying on the ground.

Canady and Evens fled the scene and were located later in the morning by officers.

A gun was seized during Evans’ arrest.

During a search of Evans residence, 100g of marijuana was also seized.

The investigation into the murder of Harrison is ongoing.

Original on May 1, 2021 at 6:10 a.m. - On 5/1/21 at approximately 1 :02 AM, officers of the Sioux City Police Department were dispatched to Uncle Dave's Bar for shots fired.

Officers arrived on scene and observed a male lying in the street suffering from a single gunshot wound. Officers rendered aid to the male and he was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

At 4:33 AM, officers received information of a male matching the description of the shooter in the 1100 block of W. 21st street. Officers located a male and a handgun.

A 17-year-oldjuvenile male was taken into custody and booked for Murder 1st, Willful Injury, Assault while participating in a felony, and Going armed with intent.

The investigation into this incident is on-going and the name of the deceased is not being released until 24 hours after notification of next-of-kin.

SCPD unveils Mental Health Awareness themed car

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month which is observed during the month of May, the Sioux City Police Department has adorned one of its cars with a green ribbon which is the symbol of mental health awareness and the slogan “arresting the stigma”.

“As an agency that frequently encounters people suffering from mental illness, we felt it was important to show our understanding and support,” said Chief Rex Mueller.

The department has been a leader in changing how it approaches situations involving subjects with mental health issues. Not only has it changed the training officers are provided in recognizing and understanding mental health issues, but it has also partnered with other agencies that specialize in responding to and working with people with mental health issues.

“Our partnership with the Mobile Crisis Assessment Team has been in valuable in diverting people in crisis or severe mental health issues from the jail or emergency departments to appropriate care facilities,” explained Mueller.

Someone that is in crisis can call 855-581-8111 or text 855-895-8398.

For more information on the department’s partnership with the Mobile Crisis Unit, visit http://www.siouxcitypolice.com/news/2020/6/19/scpd-teams-up-with-mental-health-professionals-to-serve-those-in-crisis

SCPD investigating murder on S. Mulberry St. – SCPD #21-12283

April 30, 10:00 a.m. - Names released from murder investigation on S. Mulberry St.

The Sioux City Police Department has identified the subjects found deceased at 2512 S. Mulberry as 52-year-old Kelli L. Socknat and 60-year-old Nicholas R. Socknat both of Sioux City. We wish to express our sympathies to the family of the Socknats for their loss. Socknats were married and lived at the residence together.

Detectives are awaiting a determination by the State Medical Examiner, but evidence collected at the scene indicated that Nicholas may be responsible for Kelli’s death and that he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

April 29 at 1:45 p.m. - On April 29 at 9:24 a.m., the Sioux City Police Department responded to a report of a deceased person in a residence in the 2500 block of S. Mulberry.

Responding officers located an adult male and adult female that were deceased from apparent gunshot wounds.

The incident is being investigated as a homicide.

Detectives investigating the scene believe that they have identified all the parties involved and are not seeking any other persons or suspects in connection to this and the public is not in any danger.  

The investigation into this incident is on-going and the names of the deceased are not being released until 24 hours after notification of next-of-kin.

Wearing a helmet could earn kids free ice cream

This summer, officers and volunteers with the Sioux City Police Department will be on the lookout for kids wearing helmets while biking so that they can give them a ticket….that is good for a free ice cream cone from Dairy Queen.

The Sioux City Police Department has partnered with Opportunities Unlimited and Dairy Queen for the 7th year of the “You’ve Been Ticketed” program which promotes brain injury awareness and prevention with kids.

The “You’ve Been Ticketed” effort is an extension of the Opportunities Unlimited Gotta Brain, Get a Helmet program which further support their mission and spread awareness.

Last summer, 250 “tickets” were handed out to kids for wearing helmets by officers and members of the department’s Trailblazers.

The Trailblazers are a volunteer group coordinated through the Sioux City Police Department to ride bikes on the trails and report any issues or graffiti.

“We are looking for additional volunteers to help provide a friendly presence on the bike trails and hand out “tickets””, said Rita Donnelly, volunteer coordinator for the department.

Trailblazer volunteers are provided helmets, shirts, and bikes if needed.

Anyone interested in volunteering for Trailblazers or any of the volunteer opportunities with the department can contact Rita Donnelly at 712-279-6424 or email her at rdonnelly@sioux-city.org.

Ashley Phelps with Dairy Queen presents Officer Jeff Demetri and Trailblazers volunteer Daniel Ford with “Tickets” for free ice cream at a press conference on April 16, 2021.