HSI, Sioux City police department investigation results in 30-year sentence for child predator

SIOUX CITY, Iowa – A Salvadoran man who sexually assaulted a child was sentenced July 28 to 30 years in federal prison following a joint Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Sioux City Police investigation. Juan Pablo Hernandez, 44, originally from El Salvador but living in Sioux City, received the prison term after a March 10 guilty plea for aggravated sexual abuse of a child.

“I struggle to find something more important than protecting the children in our community,” said Katherine Greer, special agent in charge of HSI Kansas City. “I am extremely proud of the work by the agents and officers from both HSI and the Sioux City Police Department. Through our strong partnership we are to bring justice to victims and remove dangerous individuals, like this, looking to harm children from our streets.”

At the plea hearing, Hernandez admitted to driving from South Sioux City, Nebraska to Sioux City with a minor under the age of 12 to sexually assault the minor. Hernandez took sexually explicit photographs of the minor.

Hernandez was sentenced to 360 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. He must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.

Project Safe Childhood

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.

Hernandez is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

The case was investigated by the Sioux City Police Department and HSI and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 21-4093.

Learn more about HSI’s mission to combat child exploitation in your community, on Twitter @HSIKansasCity.

Homeland Security Investigations

HSI is the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), responsible for investigating transnational crime and threats, specifically those criminal organizations that exploit the global infrastructure through which international trade, travel, and finance move. HSI’s workforce of over 10,400 employees consists of more than 6,800 special agents assigned to 225 cities throughout the United States, and 86 overseas locations in 55 countries. HSI’s international presence represents DHS’s largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement.

Released August 3, 2022

Source: https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/hsi-sioux-city-police-department-investigation-results-30-year-sentence-child

Exotic snakes removed from home.

Officers with the Sioux City Police Department assisted Sioux City Animal Control in the execution of a search warrant to remove numerous exotic snakes and feeder mice that were being raised in a Sioux City home on July 11 shortly after 10 pm.

Officers were called to a home in the 4600 block of Harrison St. after a neighbor complained of finding a boa constrictor and feeder mice in his house.

Animal Control removed the animals and are caring for them at the Sioux City Animal Adoption and Rescue Center.

The home-owner was not at home at the time of the removal.

The matter has been referred to the City of Sioux City Legal Department for consideration of appropriate charges.

This is an on-going investigation.

Guidance on the new ATV/UTV law effective July 1

Iowa House file 2130 regarding ATV’s and UTV’s will be effective this Friday July 1st. The bill legalizes the use of these vehicles on a limited number of roadways. The SCPD wanted to provide some guidance to citizens to facilitate legal operation these vehicles on the appropriate roadways in the corporate limits of Sioux City.

The amended Iowa Code section 321I.10(3) for ATV/UTV usage allows cities to regulate operation of such vehicles on two-lane primary and secondary road extensions. Highways greater than 2 lanes are not available for ATV/UTV use, regardless of location in the city or county.

The only roads in Sioux City where ATV/UTV usage is legal based on the amended laws will be the following:

• K29 – Old Lakeport Road, South of Derocher Path

• D18 – Correctionville Road, East of Camp High Hopes

• D25 – Old Hwy 141, Southeast of the entrance to the cemetery. 

• ATV/UTV operation on other streets is not permitted, and a violation carries a fine of $70.00. 

Individuals who choose to operate ATV’s or UTV’s on these approved roadways must also comply with these restrictions:

• Driver of the ATV/UTV must be at least 18 years of age and have financial liability coverage in effect for the vehicle and carry proof of such financial liability coverage (insurance)             

• The ATV/UTV shall display lighted headlamps at all times while the vehicle is operated on the highway.

As indicated, this new law allows local cities to regulate usage in addition to current state laws. Sioux City currently has no ordinances that either restrict or allow ATV/UTV usage on Sioux City streets beyond what is indicated above in the new state law.

Armed robbery in the 4100 block of Floyd Blvd - SCPD #22-17588

On June 27 at 5:00 p.m., the Sioux City Police Department responded to a report of a robbery that occurred at a gas station in the 4100 block of Floyd Blvd.

The adult-female victim of the robbery reported that she was putting gas in her car when a light blue Toyota Camry pulled up beside her vehicle. A man got out of the passenger side of the Toyota, approached the female, and demanded her belongings while displaying a gun. The woman initially struggled with the man until he started to become more aggressive. The suspect then got back into the Toyota and the car fled north on Floyd. The woman was not injured during the altercation.

A short time later, a report of shots being fired in the 5300 block of N. Cleveland Street was received. Involving a man in a light blue Toyota Camry.

Sioux City Police Officer responded and assisted the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office in the investigation.

Officers determined that the suspect in the robbery on Floyd had pulled onto private property and discarded some of the items that were taken in the robbery. When the owner of the property confronted the subjects in the Toyota, the male in the passenger seat shot at the land owner. The land owner, who is an adult-male, was also armed and shot back at the suspect. No injuries were reported from the shooting.

Plymouth County Deputies located the Toyota over an hour after the shots fired call in the area of C80 and Highway 75. The car was unoccupied. They determined that a male and female had abandoned the car and got into a mid-2000’s silver Cadillac with a black top.

The suspect is described a lighter-skin tone black male, 6-foot-tall, with a slender build, and a goatee. The suspect remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information on this matter is encouraged to contact the Sioux City Police Department or the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office.

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

Officers continue partnership with OU and DQ to promote bike safety

This summer marks the 8th consecutive year of Opportunities Unlimited’ s partnership with the Sioux City Police Department and local Siouxland Dairy Queens through the "You’ve Been Ticketed" program. As an extension of OU’s Gotta Brain, Getta Helmet program, "You’ve Been Ticketed" is designed to encourage children to wear helmets while riding their bikes. If children are seen wearing their helmets while riding bikes, scooters, skateboards, etc. by either the Sioux City Police Officers or Volunteer Trailblazers, they will receive a ticket for one free Dairy Queen ice cream cone. This partnership benefits all parties involved. Children who are practicing proper bicycle safety are rewarded with a sweet treat, Police Officers can connect with more children in a positive and supportive manner, and Dairy Queen promotes community outreach.

Jennifer McCabe and Susan Vondrak with Opportunities Unlimited speak at a press conference about the You’ve Been Ticketed program where officers will give kids wearing helmets “tickets” good for a free Dairy Queen ice cream cone.

Opportunities Unlimited also benefits from "You've Been Ticketed" by promoting brain injury awareness in the Siouxland Community. President and CEO, Jennifer McCabe states, "It is our hope that if we prevent just one brain injury, we feel like it's been a success. Through Gotta Brain, Getta Helmet and "You've Been Ticketed", just a couple of local programs, we are able to further support our mission and spread awareness of brain injury prevention."

The Sioux City Police Department is also looking for new volunteers to assist on the bike trails and has mountain bikes available for the volunteers to use if they would like, and each volunteer is given a new bike helmet. Volunteer Coordinator, Rita Donnelly, commented, "We are looking for additional volunteers to help provide a friendly presence on the bike trails, (and hand out "tickets") so if anyone is interested in becoming a volunteer for the Police Department, they may call us at 712-279-6424".

Murder on June 9 - SCPD #22-15694

Update on June 13 at 10:45 am - The name of the victim of the murder in the 500 block of 9th St on June 9 is 32-year-old Dolorean N. Wade of Sioux City.

We wish to express out condolences to his family and friends for their loss.

Original Release on June 10 at 7:45 am - On June 9 at 9:01 pm, the Sioux City Police Department responded to a report of a shooting at 516 9th St. and responding officers located an adult-male suffering from a gunshot wound.

The man was transported to MercyOne for treatment and died a short time later.

Initially Katrina Barnes, the girlfriend of the victim who also shared the residence with him, stated that the victim had been outside of their residence and stated he had been shot outside.

Detectives conducted a search of the residence and determined that Barnes and the victim had been arguing during the day and he had left before the shooting. When he returned and started pounding on the front door, Barnes fired a shot through the door striking the victim.

It was also determined that Barnes and another adult-female present waited 12 minutes to call 911.

Detectives have charged 32-year-old Katrina L. Barnes of Sioux City with 2nd degree murder, possession of a controlled substance, and possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

Detectives have also charged 25-year-old Jordyn R. Easton of Sioux City with accessory after the fact for failing to call 911 and concealing evidence related to the crime.

We are not releasing the name of the victim until 24 hours after the family of the victim have been notified.

This is on-going 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 CHARGED FOR APRIL 15 SHOOTING - SCPD #22-9839

The Sioux City Police Department have arrested 18-year-old Jalond J. Hills of Sioux City for a shooting that occurred on April 15 in an apartment in the 2200 block of Gibson Street.

On that date, the department responded to a report of a shooting and found that an adult-female suffering a non-life-threatening injury due to a gunshot.

Detectives determined that Hills had been in a bedroom of the apartment with the victim drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana. Another man who was sleeping was also present in the bedroom.

The victim removed a handgun from the sleeping man and Hills attempted to take the gun from the victim. The two struggled over the firearm and it discharged striking the victim in the leg.

After the shot was fired, Hills gave the gun to a third who had been in the apartment and all three men fled the apartment.

Detectives determined that the person that Hills gave the gun to is a known convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms.

Hills was booked into the Woodbury County Jail on June 9 and was charged with discharging a firearm in city limits, prohibited transfer of a firearm to an unauthorized person, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, and failure to affix a drug tax stamp.

The investigation into this shooting is on-going.

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

June 1 shots fired - SCPD #22-14848

On June 1 at 5:55 p.m. the Sioux City Police Department received reports of shots being fired in the 600 block of Myrtle St.

Responding officers located an individual on scene who stated the incident started at a nearby business in the 1300 block of W. 4th St. with a physical altercation occurring between himself and two other males. The involved subjects then followed each other in their vehicles for a short distance before the passenger in the suspect vehicle shot at the victim’s vehicle. The suspects then fled the scene in their vehicle.

Officers located evidence on scene to confirm shots had been fired. No one was struck or injured during the incident.

The identity of the suspects is not known at this time, but initial information suggests that the male parties were acquainted with each other.

The person who fired the shots is described as a Hispanic or Native American male in his mid to late 20’s with a tattoo on his face. He was last seen in the passenger seat of a black, four door pickup, possibly a Chevrolet Silverado that was lifted and with a loud muffler being driven by a white male.

This is an on-going investigation. Anyone with information on the identity of the suspects is asked to call the Sioux City Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 258-TIPS (8477).

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

Shooting 700 block of 18th Street - SCPD #22-8110

Update April 6 at 5:09 p.m. - An updated description of the suspect is that of a black male with short hair and a tattoo on his face.

Original release on March 29, 2022 at 12:15 p.m. - On March 29 at 9:52 a.m., the Sioux City Police Department received reports of a shooting in the 700 block of 18th St.

Responding officers located a 16-year-old male at the corner of 16th and Jackson Street suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to MercyOne with life-threatening injuries.

Initial information gathered indicated that the victim was walking on the 700 block of 18th Street when he was confronted by an unknown male party who started a physical altercation with him. During this altercation, the other man produced a handgun and shot the victim. The victim ran from the scene of the shooting to where he was located.

The person with the gun was described as a 6-foot-tall black male with dreadlocks (this description was updated to a black male, short hair, and a tattoo on his face) who was last seen wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt. He is considered armed and dangerous.

Detectives are investigating a motive at this time, as this appears to be an unprovoked attack.

Anyone with information on the identity of the suspect is asked to call the Sioux City Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 258-TIPS (8477)

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

Shooting 1600 block of Nebraska St. - SCPD #22-7338

Update on April 25 at 10:20 a.m. - On April 15, 23-year-old Ethan S. Hewitt was arrested on multiple warrants in connection to the investigation of the March 21 shooting in the 1600 block of Nebraska St.

Detectives had obtained warrants for Hewitt’s arrest while he recovered from gunshot wounds he received during the incident in which he went to a residence in the 1600 block of Nebraska St. and shot at the occupant of that residence.

The intended victim, who was also armed, fired back at Hewitt striking him. The warrants were for attempted murder, intimidation with a dangerous weapon, attempted burglary, going armed with intent, possession of a firearm by a felon, trafficking stolen firearms, and driving charges.

Hewitt was taken into custody at his residence without incident.

Original release on March 21 - On March 21 at 4:15 a.m. the Sioux City Police Department received a report of shots being fired in the 1600 block of Nebraska St.

Responding officers located a subject who reported that two men armed with guns approached his residence in the 1600 block of Nebraska St.

When he confronted one of the men through an open window, the subject outside fired a shot and then ran to the front door. The resident armed himself and when the subject outside shot at him, the resident shot back.

The person outside that had fired the shots fled the area and a few minutes later arrived at UnityPoint St. Luke’s with life-threatening injuries. He remains hospitalized at the time of this release.

The second subject that went to the residence also fled the area and has not been located. His identity is not known at this time.

The resident and the subject shot know each other and this incident was part of an on-going feud between the men.

No charges have been filed at this time.

As this is an on-going investigation, no names are being released 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.

Pedestrian struck and killed on I29 - SCP #22-6682

Officers have identified 53-year-old Christian J. Sanchez of Sioux City as the pedestrian struck on I-29 during the early morning hours of March 15.

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

Officers are still investigating why Sanchez was walking on the interstate at that time, but foul play is not suspected.

Based on available information, no one will be charged in this matter.

The investigation in on-going.

Original Release of March 15, 2022 at 6:40 a.m. – On March 15 at 4:10 a.m., the Sioux City Police Department responded to a reported a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle near mile marker 150.9 on I-29 in the northbound lane.

The adult-male struck died as a result of injuries he received.

It is not known why the man was in the roadway but witnesses reported he was in the middle of the roadway. The investigation is on-going.

No other injuries were reported.

The name of deceased will be released 24 hours after his next-of-kin are notified.

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.