Use the form on the right to contact us.
NOTICE: Messages are not monitored 24 hours a day.
If you need to report a crime or need immediate assistance, call 712-279-6960.
Updates and Information on the Community and Your Department
The Sioux City Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating missing 14-year-old Roxy Cecelia Grimaldo who was last seen on Jan. 31 at 7:36 pm in the area of 17th and Summit.
Read More
Vapor devices or “vapes” come in various designs. Their popularity with kids has grown significantly over the years.
The Sioux City Police Department has seen a trend of increased nicotine alternative and vapor or “vapes” products among teens. Vapor products or “vapes” are electronic devices used to heat a liquid to an aerosol or vapor which is inhaled by the user.
Iowa law prohibits persons under the age of 18 from purchasing or possessing not only tobacco products but also nicotine alternatives and vapor products.
Between Jan. 1 and Dec. 1 of this year, 126 citations have been issued to teens for possessing tobacco, nicotine alternative, or vapor products. Of those citations, 104 have been for possessing vapor products used for vaping. Fines for underage possession of these products start at $50 for a first offense and increase up to $150 for subsequent offenses.
As part of an effort to keep these products from teens, the SCPD is participating in the Iowa Alcohol Beverage Division’s (ABD) I-PLEDGE initiative. The ABD created the initiative as an effort to get 100% compliance with Iowa’s laws on selling these products by retailers. ABD offers free training to retailers and their employees on preventing sells of tobacco, nicotine alternatives, and vapor products to minors.
In addition to the training, the SCPD is also in process of checking compliance with Iowa laws by retailers. Officers with the Special Investigations Unit will be sending people under 18 into stores to attempted to purchase these products. The teens are instructed to show their ID if requested and steps are taken to make no effort to mislead sales clerks. Should a clerk sell to a minor, they will be issued a citation fining them $100.
The goal of the checks is to obtain 100% compliance by retailers. The ABD reports that statewide, there is a 91% compliance rate.
Parents can also help in this effort by not allowing teens to purchase or possess vapor products or the pods and vape juices associated with them. We also encourage them to discuss the health risks associated with using these products to include addiction to nicotine.
Retailers interested in completing i-PLEDGE Retailer Certification can do so at the following link https://ipocp.iowaabd.com/portal.
Information to inform parent and help them talk to their kids about vaping can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/index.htm.
Vapor devices or “vapes” may look like a thumb drive to some people not familiar with.
We are asking the public for any information that they may have in the murder investigation of 42-year-old Chad A. Thomas of Sioux City.
On Dec. 14 shortly after 10:04 pm, Thomas was found suffering from gunshot wounds in the area of 17th and Ingleside. He was transported to MercyOne were he succumbed to his wounds.
If you have any information on this, please call Det. Nate West at 279-6365 or Crime Stoppers at 258-TIPS (8477).
Chad Thomas
On 12/13/19 at 11:39 AM, the Sioux City Police Department received a call of a robbery in the 1500 block of Virginia St. The victim reported a male party acted as if he had a firearm and demanded his vehicle. The suspect then left in the vehicle. A short time later the vehicle was involved in an accident at 25th and Clark Street and the suspect fled the scene.
At 8:35 PM, the suspect returned to a relative’s house at 1519 Virginia St. After a brief standoff with officers, the suspect surrendered peacefully. The Sioux City Police Department uses all resources necessary to resolve these issues in the safest manner possible.
The arrested party is,
Juanito Gonzales, 24, of Sioux City
He has been charged with Robbery 2nd degree.
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.
On Dec. 5 at about 9:44 pm, the Sioux City Police Department received a report of a robbery in the Hard Rock Casino parking lot at 111 3rd St.
The victim reported to officers that a male approached his vehicle, displayed a firearm, and demanded the vehicle and money. The suspect fled the area after taking an undisclosed amount of cash from the victim.
A short time later, officer located the suspect a short distance away and took him onto custody.
Charged with 1st degree robbery was 26-year-old Robert W. Anderson of San Antonio, Texas.
We would like to thank the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino for their assistance in this matter. Their contribution and dedicated to the security of their guests helped with the quick apprehension of the Anderson.
On Dec. 5 at about 11:01 am, the Sioux City Police Department was notified that a deputy with the Plymouth County Sheriff's Office was in pursuit of a stolen vehicle and was heading towards Sioux City on Highway K12.
The fleeing car entered Sioux City at speeds of over 100 miles per hour. Officer with the department responded to the area and attempted to deploy tire deflation devices. Due to these efforts, the driver of the fleeing vehicle stopped the car and surrendered in the 3300 block of Military Rd.
Officers and deputies took 25-year-old Megan M. McMillim of North Sioux City, South Dakota into custody. She was transported to Plymouth County to be investigated for Operating While Intoxicated and charged there for the pursuit.
There was a 29-year-old passenger in the vehicle that was questioned and released without charges.
The car used in the pursuit was a 2011 Hyundai Sonata that was stolen on Nov. 23 from Sioux City's east side.
Online shopping makes holiday gift buying convenient especially with delivery to your front door. This front door service is also convenient for thieves commonly referred to as “porch pirates.”
Last holiday season, the Sioux City Police Department saw an increase of packages stolen from porches and expects the trend to continue.
With that in mind, here are some tips to reduce the chances of a porch pirate making off with your online order.
Pay attention to tracking information and if possible, be home or have someone you trust pick up your package after it is delivered.
Have your orders sent to your place of employment if they will allow it or have the delivery company hold on to it for you.
Choose the ‘sign for release’ option of delivery. That way, the delivery service has to hand your delivery to a person.
If you are a victim of a theft, report it to law enforcement. If you have surveillance cameras, share that footage with law enforcement also. Check with your neighbors to see if they have surveillance cameras and if they would have any footage around the time of theft.
Keep your porch well lit. It is getting dark earlier and it may be dark before you get home. A well-lit porch may help your neighbor keep an eye out for thieves.
One of the biggest things to emphasis is be a good neighbor and watch out for each other. Keep an eye out for suspicious activity such as cars following delivery trucks or casing neighborhoods. If you see people taking packages or any suspicious activity, report it to police.
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/.
We’ve enjoyed some mild and calm conditions recently, however area meteorologists are forecasting for that to change rapidly around noon today. With inclement weather on its way, here are ten tips to keep in mind while winter driving:
1. Avoid it
2. Allow for extra time to travel from one place to another
3. Slow down
4. Keep at least three car lengths between you and vehicles ahead of you
5. Drive with your lights on, even during daylight hours
6. Avoid using cruise control
7. Don’t pass snow plows
8. Know the limits of your vehicle
9. Do not accelerate or brake aggressively
(firm pressure on your brake pedal is best, don’t stomp on it)
10. Completely defrost and clear all windows to maximize your visibility
Please pay attention to local forecasts for the most up-to-date weather and road conditions, and review our tips on Winter Emergency Car Kits to give yourself the ultimate advantage for safe travel this winter season.
The Sioux City Police Department is happy to welcome our newest officers to the team. Thad Boyer and Colin Scherle were sworn in this morning. Please congratulate these gentlemen as they begin their journey to serve the community through careers in Law Enforcement.
The Sioux City Police Department arrested four people last week in three separate incidents for illegal possession of firearms.
On Nov. 15 at 2:11 am, an officer stopped 21-year-old Salvador Carrasco-Chaidez of Sioux City for driving erratically. He was investigated for operating while intoxicated.
During the investigation, officers located a handgun in his car and cocaine. He was charged with Carrying Concealed Weapon, Possession of a Control Substance, OWI, and numerous traffic charges. An investigation is being conducted into the firearm to see if it is a stolen firearm.
Also, on Nov. 15 at 3:56 pm, officers were continuing their investigation into a robbery that had been reported the day before at 2201 Gibson St when they encountered some subjects of interest in a car. During their contact with the subjects, two handguns were located.
Officers arrested 19-year-old Kelece A. Taylor of Sioux City for Carrying a Concealed Weapon. A 17-year-old was also charged with Carrying a Concealed Weapon and taken to Juvenile Detention. The juvenile’s name is not being released at this time the investigation into the robbery is ongoing.
On Nov. 16 at 5:00 am, officers responded to a disturbance in the 1300 block of Main St. Based on their investigation, 30-year-old Cordaro D. Whitshel was arrested for Domestic Assault.
While searching Whitsel, he was found to be in possession of a handgun and body armor. He was charged with Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Possession of a Controlled Substance in addition to the Domestic Assault Charge.
Accompanying Whitsel was 29-year-old Jacob J. Peters of Sioux City who was found to have an active warrant for his arrest. When he was taken into custody, he was found to be in possession of a handgun. He was booked into Woodbury County Jail on the warrant and also charged with Carrying a Concealed Weapon.
The Sioux City Police Department is committed to thoroughly investigating gun crimes and seeking the maxim penalties for anyone illegally possessing firearms and who use them in the commission of crimes.
We also ask all gun owners to keep their firearms secure in safes, maintain lists of serial numbers, and report any stolen firearms immediately to law enforcement.
The public is encouraged to provide officers any information they have on anyone who illegally possesses firearms for used them in various crimes. They can make a report to an officer by calling 279-6960 or Crimestoppers at 258-TIPS (8477).
There has been an increase in stolen cars reported as the weather gets colder. Between Oct. 1 and Nov. 12, there were 41 cars reported stolen. Of those, 22 were left running or the keys were left in them.
Most of the reported stolen cars were left running to warm up when they were taken. A few were left running as the owner ran into a business for a quick errand. These incidents are occurring all over town.
The department is strongly urging people to not leave their keys in their cars or leave them running and unsecured.
Luckily for most of the victims, their cars are recovered a short time later. Of the 41 cars stolen in this six-week period, 36 have been recovered.
People taking cars that are left running could be charged with Theft 2nd or Operating without Owner’s Consent.
A check for $3,300 was presented to the Caps 4 Courage project on Wednesday Nov.13 at the police station by the chief and officers who helped organize the selling of pink patches during the month of October.
The program was well received, and people really loved the look of the pink badge and patches,” said Sgt. Judy Kellen who helped organize the fund raiser.
The money raised will help pay for gift bags to be presented to new patients receiving chemotherapy at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center in Sioux City.
“A unisex hat with an inspirational word, a painted rock, and a letter of support from a fellow survivor will be included in the bag,” said Patty Cosidine who started Caps 4 Courage and is also a cancer survivor. “Not everyone has the same support I had during my treatments and I wanted others to feel supported.”
The department sold over 350 pink versions of its patch to raise the money. Female officers of the department also were able to purchase a pink version of the badge and wear it on duty along with the patches.
“They have been great conversation pieces and a lot of people reached out to us to support the project,” added Kellen.
The money raised will pay for most of the 1,000 bags that Caps 4 Courage want to make.
For more information on Caps 4 Courage, go to their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Foundation4Courage.
Members of the Sioux City Police Department present Patty Cosidine, founder of Caps 4 Courage, with check for $3,300 at the police station on Nov. 13. The money was raised by selling pink versions of the department patch during the month of October. Picture from left to right is Officer Val Rose, Sgt. Judy Kellen, Patty Considine, Officer Heather Albrecht, and Lead Records Tech. Lisa Cote.
Mother nature has already provided us with a reminder that cold weather and slick roadways will soon be the norm for the next several months. Now is a great time to consider weather or not you’re prepared to make your daily commute and upcoming holiday trips safely. It’s always a good idea to have the following items in your vehicle this time of year:
-Flashlight with extra batteries
-Charged cellphone and cellphone charger
-Basic First Aid Kit
-Blankets
-Extra clothes (mittens, boots, socks)
-Non-perishable foods
-Windshield scraper and brush
-Shovel
-Basic toolkit
-Jumper Cables
REMINDER — when travel is unavoidable in inclement weather, communicate to a loved one where you’re going and estimated time of arrival. Also, allow for extra time, as driving becomes much more challenging. We’ll have Winter Driving Tips coming soon.
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.
The Sioux City Police Department and Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office collect 265 pounds of unused prescription medication during National Drug Take Back Day on Oct. 26 at nine locations throughout Sioux City.
“Often, people may have left over medication or medication of a loved one that recently passed that they are not sure what to do with,” Said Sgt. Jeremy McClure, Community Policing Sergeant for the department.
The unused medication was turned into the Drug Enforcement Agency for proper disposal.
National Drug Take Back Day is a bi-annual event sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Agency and provides a way for people to dispose of unused medication in an environmentally sound way. It also helps reduce opportunities for these drugs to be abused.
“It is illegal to possess someone else’s prescription and frequently we find people in possession or abusing someone else’s medication,” said McClure.
The next Drug Take Back Day is planned for some time in April. When a date is decided, it will be released to the public. People with medication that needs disposed before then can use the drop box located in the Police Department lobby.
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.
officer with the Sioux City Police Department are trained and equipped with Narcan which can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
Read MoreOn Oct. 26 at about 4:11 p.m., the Sioux City Police Department were dispatched to the 1500 block of Dale St. for a report of a large disturbance.
When officers arrived, they located a subject who reported that an unknown male had threatened to stab him with a screw driver and stole the victim’s car. The suspect then lost control of the car and crashed into a pole a short distance away.
The suspect then attempted to assault another person before fleeing the area on foot. Officers located the suspect a few blocks away from where the incident started.
Charged in this incident was 19-year-old Justin Pena of Sioux City. He was booked into Woodbury County Jail on charges of 1st degree robbery, aggravated assault, operating while intoxicated, no driver’s license, and failure to maintain control of a vehicle.
These are accusations and Pena is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.