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).

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.

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.

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

Detectives investigating early Sunday morning shooting outside club

On Aug. 16, at about 2:55 am, officers with the Sioux City Police Department heard shots being fired in the 400 block of W. 7th St.

Officer searched the area and located an adult male with a non-life threatening gunshot wound outside of the After Set Club (also referred to as Esquire), 414 W. 7th St.

Responding officers attempted to provide medical aide to the victim however, they were met with physical resistance form a crowd that had formed. Some members of the crowd threw rocks at officers as they attempted to secure the crime scene.

The victim was transported to MercyOne for treatment and was released.

Detectives are continuing their investigation into the shooting but victim is not cooperating.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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).