Teen stabbed by unknown man during altercation - 22SC27238

On Saturday September 24 at about 6:18 pm, the Sioux City Police Department responded to a report of a stabbing in the 1300 block of Jackson St.

Responding officers located a 17-year-old male suffering from a severe laceration to his neck. He was transported to MercyOne for treatment of his life-threatening injury.

Witnesses stated that the victim and a friend had been in front of a residence in the 1300 block of Jackson St. when a person not known to them, approached them, and started a confrontation. The unknown person pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim after the exchange became physical. It is not known why the man provoked a fight with the teens.

The suspect then fled the area and has not been located or identified.

Detectives are looking for a white male that is in his late 20’s or early 30’s. He is 5 foot 5 inches tall and has a slight build with his weight estimated to be about 120 pounds. He has light brown or dirty blonde hair. He was last seen wearing a flat billed baseball hat, baggy khaki shorts, and a “jersey” style t-shirt that was light blue and the sleeves were a different color that button or zipped up the front.

Anyone with information who this subject is or video footage of the area that may help identify the man is asked to call the Sioux City Police Department at 279-6440. 

SCPD investigates post on social media that caused school lock-outs

On September 23 at around 8:30 am, students at West High School in Sioux City notified school administration and the Sioux City Police Department of a concerning post on social media showing ammunition and a message that seemed like a veiled threat.

Out of an abundance of caution, the Sioux City Community School District implemented security measures to ensure the safety of students.

Officers worked closely with the school to keep students safe and fully investigate the matter.

The student who made the post was identified and located. The juvenile-male is being questioned on the matter.

As the post was not a direct threat, the department is referring this incident to the County Attorney’s Office for consideration for charges.

Students that reported the post are to be commended for reporting a concerning post that indicated a possible threat to safety.

We also encourage parents to speak to their children about posting messages and images to social media that may cause alarm.

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Teenager struck while skateboarding in roadway - SCPD #22-24759

On September 1 at 4:48 a.m., the Sioux City Police Department responded to a report of a skateboarder being struck by a vehicle in the Northbound lane at 2400 S. Lewis Blvd.

A teenaged-male was struck and was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries and has since passed away due to his injuries.

Initial information gathered was that the juvenile was riding a skateboard in the middle of the road and the driver was unable to avoid a collision due to the lack of time from observation of seeing the juvenile combined with the darkness of the roadway at that time of day.

SCPD Traffic Investigators were called out to the scene. This investigation is still on-going.

Original release Sept. 1 with an update on Sept. 6.

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".

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.