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.