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.

Robbery of K&K Quick Corner - SCPD #21-31227

On Oct. 22 at 1:41 p.m., the Sioux City Police Department received a report of a robbery at the K and K Quick Corner convenience store, 1401 Court St. when a person threatened the clerk by implying he had a gun. The suspect stole money and tobacco products before fleeing the store.

Thanks to several witnesses providing information to investigating officers, the suspect was located in house in the 1400 block of Court St.

Detectives have charged 19-year-old Jaden Cline of Sioux City with 2nd degree robbery and was booked into the Woodbury County Jail.

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

Removal of abandoned vehicles to begin in November

In an effort to assist the Streets Division with the upcoming snow season, the Sioux City Police Department will be increasing their efforts to alleviate abandoned motor vehicles on city streets.

These efforts will target vehicles being stored on city streets that are:

• Disabled or obviously inoperable.

• Have not had license plates or current registration for extended periods of time.

• Recreational Vehicles, Boats, Trailers, and other equipment that are in violation of Municipal Parking Ordinances.

The goal will be to remove problem vehicles from the streets before they become snow bound and are more difficult to remove for proper street clearing. In most cases the vehicles will be tagged and there will be an opportunity for owners to remove them before they are impounded. Certain vehicles that are declared “nuisance per se” by Municipal Code can be removed without notice to the owner.

The increased attention to abandoned motor vehicles is expected to begin in early November.

Fatality accident in the 2400 block of 18th St. - SCPD #21-30749

Original Release on Oct. 18, 2021 at 11:20 a.m. - The Sioux City Police Department responded to a single vehicle accident in the 2800 block of 18th Street this morning at 8:08 a.m. Upon arriving at the location, officers found that a commercial vehicle had veered off the roadway and into a grouping of trees. The driver was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Officers spoke with a witness who reported the vehicle traveling westbound when it crossed into the oncoming lane and ultimately left the roadway. It doesn't appear the driver made an attempt to stop the vehicle or correctively steer back onto the road.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation, but is potentially related to a medical issue.

The driver's name will not be released at this time pending notification of next of kin.

Update on Oct. 19, 2021 at 3:30 p.m. - The Sioux City Police Department identified 43-year-old Ryan L. Palmer of Sibley, Iowa as the victim of the single-car fatality accident yesterday in the 2400 block of 18th St.

We want to express our condolences to his family for their loss.

Accident investigators are waiting on a determination from the Woodbury County Medical Examiner’s report to determine if there were any medical issues or substances that contributed to this accident.

2600 Block of Douglas St. Shooting - SCPD #21-30633

Original Release on Oct. 16, 2021 at 7:16 am. - On I0/ 16/21 at 11 :54 PM, officers of the Sioux City Police Department were dispatched to Unity Point Health, 2720 Stone Park Blvd for a male party that came into the emergency room with a gunshot to his stomach area.

Officers spoke with multiple parties involved and officers were able to track down the location where the shooting occurred at.

The victim, Gary Wendte, 44, of Emerson, NE is being treated for his non-life-threatening injuries.

The case is still ongoing and at this time no further information will be released.

Shooting in at 427 Pierce St - SCPD #21-29897

Original Release on Oct. 10, 2021 at 7:00 a.m. - On 10/10/21 at 3 :24 AM, Officers of the Sioux City Police Department were dispatched to 427 Pierce Street for a shots fired call.

When officers arrived on scene, they observed a male party suffering from a gunshot to his upper body. Officers rendered aid to the male victim, and he was transported to a local hospital for his life-threatening injuries.

Around 3:45 AM, the SCPD received multiple phone calls stating more victims were arriving at both local hospitals from this incident. All other parties are being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

At this time, none of the victim ' s information will be released.

The investigation is still ongoing but if anyone has any information to help with this case please call 712-258-TIPS.

Cariaga arrest - SCPD #21-28610, 21-24023, 21-24319, & 21-24307

On Sept. 28 at 10:00 a.m., officers with the Sioux City Police Department arrested 21-year-old Alexio C. Cariaga of Sioux City in the 3400 block of Gordon Dr. for multiple warrants stemming from incidents in August.

Officers saw Cariaga walking in a parking lot of a hotel and approached him as they knew he had warrants for his arrest.

Cariaga was wanted in connection to two incidents that occurred in August of this year. On Aug. 17, he used a firearm to take money from a woman with whom he had been in a relationship with and had a child with. Then on Aug. 19, he forcefully entered a residence in the 1600 block of 27th St., struck that same woman and another male in the head with a handgun. He later fled from officers after crashing his car into a pole at 29th and Jackson St..

Cariaga was booked into the Woodbury County Jail on warrants for 1st degree robbery, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm by a domestic abuser, 1st degree burglary, domestic abuse assault, and probation violation.

Original Release on August 20 at 3:22 p.m. - On August 19 at about 8:28 p.m., Officers responded to report of an assault at a residence in the 1600 block of 27th St. The suspect was not present when officers arrived.

Two adult victims reported being assaulted by the suspect who also was armed with a handgun. Minor injuries were reported. 

A short time later, just before 9:00 p.m., an officer spotted the suspect driving on Jackson St. but the suspect fled on foot after striking a pole at 29th and Jackson. 

Officers attempted to locate the suspect but where unsuccessful. A handgun was recovered from the suspects’ car. 

Shooing in the 200 block of Nebraska St - SCPD #21-28188

Update on Oct. 1 at 3:25 p.m. - On Oct. 1 at about 2:00 p.m., a 17-year-old juvenile male of Sioux City surrendered himself to detectives at the Sioux City Police Department and was charged with attempted murder, willful injury, intimidation with a weapon, going armed with intent, and trafficking in stolen firearms.

The juvenile was charged as an adult and taken to the Woodbury County Juvenile Detention Center.    

Update on Sept. 27 at 2:40 p.m. - Detectives with the Sioux City Police Department have requested that the Woodbury County Attorney’s Office drop charges filed on Sept. 25 against Eric-Jahim Word in connection to the shooting in the 200 block of Nebraska St. that left one man hospitalized.

Word’s arrest was based on available information at that time. As detectives continued their investigation, new information was discovered indicating that a witness intentionally misidentified Word as the person who fired the shots. Word was involved in the incident and fled before officers arrived.

The correct suspect has been identified and detectives are working with the County Attorney’s Office to file appropriate charges against that person.

Release on Sept. 25 at 10:30 a.m. – Detectives have arrested 19-year-old Eric-Jahim E. Word of Sioux City and charged him with attempted murder, going armed with intent, and trafficking in stolen weapons during the overnight hours for the shooting that occurred in the 200 block of Nebraska St. (NOTE: Charges against Eric-Jahim Word were dropped after it was found a witness had intentionally misidentified him as the shooter. A 17-year-old juvenile male was charged on Oct. 1 for this act.)

Also charged in connection to this incident were 39-year-old Joy-Esther A. Scott of Sioux City and 23-year-old Miracle J. Walls of Sioux City both of whom were charged with 2nd degree burglary.

Word, Scott, Walls and a 17-year-old juvenile male had been in vehicles that were following another adult female they had an on-going feud with. They eventually blocked her path on an access road in the 200 block of Nebraska St.

With the car stopped, Scott and Walls opened the woman’s car door and began to assault her causing her minor injuries.

It was at this time that the brother of the woman being assault arrived as she had been on the phone with him. He approached Word, Walls, and Scott to attempted to stop them.

The 17-year-old juvenile male produced a handgun and shot the brother twice, once in the back and once in the chest.

The male victim remains at MercyOne due to his injuries.

ORIGINAL RELEASE on Sept. 24 at 6:00 p.m. - On Sept. 24 at 3:10 p.m., the Sioux City Police Department received a report of a shots being fired in the 200 block of Nebraska St.

When officers arrived on scene, they located an adult-male suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. He was transported to MercyOne for treatment and at the time of this release, is still undergoing medical treatment.

Investigating officers determined that this shooting arose out of an on-going dispute between several of the people involved. Several cars containing the people involved stopped in the area of the 200 block of Nebraska St. The dispute was about to escalate into a physical altercation when the shots were fired. The victim of the shooting was involved in this altercation.

Detectives are interviewing several of the subjects involved and are following up on leads to determine who fired the shots. At the time of this release, the subject who fired the shots was not in custody and detectives are still following up on information provided to them.

This is an on-going investigation and an update will be sent when additional information is obtained.

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

Man arrested after damaging cars - SCPD #21-27678

On Sept. 20 at 3:18 a.m., the Sioux City Police Department responded to a report of a subject damaging cars parked next to an apartment building in the 1000 block of Pierce St.

Officers arrested 30-year-old Hagos T. Mengsteab of Sioux City and charged him with 8 counts of 4th degree criminal mischief after they determined that he had broken windows and dented parked cars by throwing rocks at them.

Mengsteab, who showed signs of intoxication, was involved in an argument with an unknown male and then started damaging the cars. The other male was not involved in causing any damage and was not charged in this matter.

The initial estimate of total damage caused is to be $2,800.

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 firing gun at occupied car - SCPD #21-27288

On Sept. 16 at 5:22 p.m., the Sioux City Police Department responded to a report of shots being fired in the 700 block of Center St.

Officers located a vehicle involved in the shooting a short distance away and stopped it at W 4th St and Wesley Park Way. Officers detained the two men inside.

The investigation determined that the two men detained followed another car to a residence in the 700 block of Center St. and the passenger fired a shot at the car that was occupied by an adult male, an adult female, a 6-year-old child, and a 4-year-old child. No one was injured in the shooting.

Detectives charged 18-year-old Jalond J. Hills of Sioux City with terrorism and going armed with intent.

The driver of the car, 19-year-old Charles J. Sully of Sioux City, was charged with failure to provide financial security (no car insurance) but was not charged with the shooting as it appeared he was not aware of Hills intent to shoot at the other car.

The cause of the dispute that led to this shooting is still under 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 arrested after stabbing at convenience store - SCPD #21-26750

On Sept. 11 at 1:26 p.m., the Sioux City Police Department responded to a report of a stabbing at Sarge’s Minimart, 1545 Indian Hills Blvd.

Responding officers found a 24-year-old woman suffering from lacerations that required medical attention and a 26-year-old Jasper Symons of Sioux City suffering from minor injuries.

Officers detained 24-year-old Amari Barker of Sioux City at the scene as he had caused the injuries.

Officers and detectives determined that there was an on-going feud between Barker and a 19-year-old female, both of whom are employees of Sarge’s, and some subjects who live across the street in the 1600 block of Indian Hills.

The subjects in the residence on Indian Hills were holding a yard sale and Barker and the female placed a sign next to the road that disparaged the people living at that residence.

In response to the sign, Symons and the 24-year-old woman came over to the store and damaged vehicles belonging to Barker and the other employee and a physical altercation broke out between the parties.

Barker armed himself with two swords and attacked 24-year-old female causing her injury. Barker then threw a brick at Symons causing him injury.

Barker was charged with two counts of aggravated assault.

Symons was charged with criminal mischief for damaging the cars.

Both men were booked into the Woodbury County Jail.

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

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.

Arrest made in Esquire Club arson – SCPD #21-24584

One person has been identified and charged in connection to the arson at the Esquire Club (also known as the After Set), 414 W. 7th St.

Detectives have charged 36-year-old Valon Jackson of Sioux City with 2nd degree arson, 1st degree criminal mischief, and 3rd degree burglary.

On Aug. 22 at 8:18 a.m., Sioux City Fire & Rescue responded to the club after reports of a fire were received.

The fire department determined that the cause of the fire was arson and a total estimate of the damage is not known but it is estimated to be over $20,000.

Jackson, along with an unidentified male, forced a door open and set the fire.

The motivation for the arson appears to be animosity towards the club.

Initial descriptions of the second suspect were of a black male but video evidence obtained shows a white male with Jackson.

The investigation into this matter is on-going.

Three arrested for burglaries and possessing stolen weapons

Detectives with the Sioux City Police Department arrested three people on Aug. 20 in connection to several burglaries of homes and cars in the Morningside area of Sioux City that occurred during the month of August.

The suspects were identified using home security camera footage that was posted to social media by one of the victims. 

Arrested were 18-year-old Andrew M. Squibb of Sioux City who was charged with five counts of 3rd degree burglary, two counts of 2nd degree theft, two counts of 5th degree theft, and three counts of 4th degree criminal mischief.

A 17-year-old male was also arrested and charged with four counts of 3rd degree burglary, two counts of 2nd degree theft, two counts of 5th degree theft, and three counts of 4th degree criminal mischief.  

18-year-old Sarah R. Jordan of Sioux City was charged with 2nd degree theft for possessing stolen firearms.

Detectives served a search warrant on the residence and cars of the arrested parties and located several stolen items to include three rifles, a shotgun, a handgun, ammunition, and other items stolen in the burglaries.

Although the video footage that was captured showed the arrested persons hiding their faces, other information such as clothing and audio proved very beneficial in identifying the people involved and the clothing they wore. We would like to thank everyone that provided video footage and helped with this and other investigations.

There is an on-going investigation into other burglaries and thefts these subjects may have been involved in.

Homicide in the 200 block of 21st ST – SCPD #21-24583

On August 22 at 9:28 a.m., the Sioux City Police Department received a report of a shooting at a residence in the 200 block of 21st St.  

When officers arrived, they located 41-year-old Jason Lafferty of Sioux City had been shot and died as a result of the injury.

Officers also located a male party in the residence that had shot the victim and took him into custody.

Detectives have charged 52-year-old Robert D. Buel of Sioux City with 2nd degree murder and booked him into the Woodbury County Jail.

The shooting occurred after the victim and Buel were in an argument and the victim went to the garage. Buel went into the garage armed with a shotgun and handgun and pointed the shotgun at the victim. Buel then set the shotgun down and shot the victim with a handgun.

Buel and the victim were acquaintances and both resided at the residence as roommates.

We want to express our sympathy to the family of Jason for their tragic loss.

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.

Detectives continue investigation into morning shooting – SCPD #21-21984

Update on July 31 at 12:00 a.m.

The Sioux City Police Department has arrested 20-year-old Tyronn Mallory of Sioux City and charged him with attempted murder, willful injury, and going armed with intent in connection to this incident.

Mallory was taken into custody on July 30 at 9:00 p.m. by officers of Sioux City Police Department and booked into the Woodbury County Jail.

Original Release on July 28 at 3:00 p.m.

On July 28 at 6:43 a.m., the Sioux City Police Department responded to MercyOne after a 33-year-old male who was suffering from three gunshot wounds was dropped off by then unknown subjects who fled the area.

The victim was taken to surgery to treat his injuries before being able to provide a full statement to officers about the shooting.  

Detectives with the Sioux City Police Department contacted the South Sioux City Police Department to assist in looking for the car that dropped the victim off at the hospital as it was described as driving into South Sioux City, Neb.

The vehicle was located a short time later at the Budget Inn, 1201 1st Ave South Sioux City, Neb., by the South Sioux City Police Department.

A search warrant was obtained to look for evidence of the shooting in the vehicle.

Based on statements made to detectives by subjects involved with the vehicle, it is believed the shooting may have occurred in the 400 block of 14th St. shortly before the victim was taken to MercyOne.  

The victim of the shooting is still recovering from his injuries at MercyOne and has been unable to provide any further statement to detectives. His identity is not being released at this time.

A motive for the shooting is not known and no suspects have been identified.

Anyone with information on this matter is encouraged to call the Sioux City Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 258-TIPS (8477).

Suspect in Mavericks shooting arrested - SCPD 20-38938

July 16, 2021 at 3:30 p.m.

Hammond, Ind. - Members of the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force took 26-year-old Rudy C. Johnson of Sioux City into custody on July 16, 2021.

Johnson had warrants for his arrest for a shooting that occurred at Mavericks back in December of 2020.

Detectives with the Sioux City Police Department notified the Northern Iowa Fugitive Task Force of Johnson's warrants and sought their assistance in apprehending him.

Based on their investigation and tips received, the Northern Iowa Fugitive Task Force developed information that Johnson had fled to Indiana in order to avoid prosecution. The Northern Iowa Fugitive Task Force notified the Great Lakes Regional Task Force in order to locate and apprehend Johnson.

Johnson is awaiting extradition back to Sioux City.

The Fugitive Task Force is under the control of the U.S. Marshal Service and the local task force includes a member of the Sioux City Police Department.

The purpose of the regional fugitive task forces is to combine the efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to locate and apprehend the most dangerous fugitives and assist in high profile investigations.

Dec. 23, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. - Suspect in Mavericks shooting identified - SCPD 20-38938

Detectives with the Sioux City Police Department have obtained warrants for the arrest of 26-year-old Rudy C. Johnson of Sioux City on charges of Willful Injury, Going Armed with Intent, Intimidation with a Dangerous Weapon, Assault while Participating in a Felony, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

Johnson is described as a Black male who is 5 foot 2 inches tall weighing 150 pounds. He is considered armed and dangerous.

Detectives are also looking for 20-year-old Tiara M. Norris of Sioux Falls, S.D. for questioning about her role in the shooting.

t is believed that Johnson and Norris fled to Sioux Falls after the shooting and maybe there.

The victim of this shooting, 28-year-old Krista M. Kruckenberg of Sioux Falls, is still at MercyOne being treated for her injuries. We are keeping in touch with her family, monitoring her progress, and wishing her a speedy recovery.

Kruckenberg is an employed as a waitress/bartender at Mavericks but was off that night and at the bar as a patron.

Just before the shooting, Kruckenberg was in the parking lot along with several other people observing a confrontation between two other people when the suspect, who was not involved in the fight, started shooting towards the fight.

Detectives are still trying to determine if Kruckenberg was the intended target or unintentionally struck.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Johnson are asked to call the Sioux City Police Department or Sioux Falls Police Department.

ORIGINAL RELEASE Dec. 20, 2020 5:10 a.m.

On 12/20/20 at approximately 1 :24 a.m., officers of the Sioux City Police Department were dispatched to Mavericks Gentlemen's Club for a shooting. Officers arrived on scene and observed an adult female laying on the ground outside in the parking lot suffering from multiple gun shots. Officers rendered aid to the female victim and she was transported to a local hospital.

The female victim is being treated for life-threatening injuries. The female victim name will not be released until all next of kin are notified.

Any arrest/charge noted in this report should be considered merely an accusation. Any defendant is presumed