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.

Several school threats meant to cause alarm investigated, students charged

On Dec. 16, the Sioux City Police Department became aware of a post circulating on the social media platform TikTok which made a threat of violence against schools to be committed on Friday Dec. 17 in all schools across the country. We immediately began monitoring this threat and working with our partners in law enforcement and the schools in Sioux City to ensure the safety of students.

During the evening of the 16th, we started receiving reports of threats against our schools that were being shared on social media.

In response, the Sioux City Police Department dedicated several officers to thoroughly investigating these threats. This included a report of a subject telling several people he was planning on bringing a gun to school, a conversation in which a student was implying threats against East Middle, a post depicting a gun with a threat towards North Middle, and posts on TikTok of several students at East High School pointing their phones like guns.

Officers worked quickly to identify the students responsible for these posts and to assess the seriousness of the threats. The department also worked closely with the Sioux City Community School District to keep them informed of these threats and to locate these students.

In all the cases investigated, it was found that none of the threats were legitimate and all were intended to cause alarm amongst the students attending Sioux City Schools.

As of noon, on Dec. 17th, investigators have charged six students with harassment in connection to the creation of these threats. The Sioux City Community School District has also taken steps to keep these students out of the school until the investigations are completed. Appropriate discipline measures will also be taken by the schools that could include suspension and expulsion.

Detectives are continuing their investigations into these threats and will be providing legal processes to the social media platforms to obtain additional evidence into the threats. Additional charges will be filed against students responsible for creating these threats.

Out of an abundance of caution, the department assigned additional officers to patrol around schools to ensure the safety and security of the students today.

The Sioux City Police Department, the Sioux City Community School District, and the Diocese of Sioux City Catholic Schools have a close partnership to address concerns and threats affecting the safety of children in our community.

The Sioux City Police Department has zero tolerance for threats or acts that endanger the safety of students. We will thoroughly investigate and charge those responsible for these acts.

We are committed to preventing violence in our schools and to ensure the safety of all students in our community.

We again thank the students and parents who provided us this information and encourage them to continue to be vigilant.

We also encourage parents to not only talk to their kids about the seriousness of this situation, but also know what social media their children are on and what they are posting.

Doorbell camera helps capture porch pirate

On Dec. 12 at 3:24 p.m. in the 4000 block of Morningside Ave., officers with the Sioux City Police Department took 37-year-old Casey Andersen into custody on warrants issued for his arrest. 

While arresting Andersen, officers noticed that not only did he match the description of a suspect who took packages off of a front porch in the 2200 block of S. Olive St. on Dec. 9, but he was also wearing the exact same clothes at the time of his arrest. This determination was based on doorbell camera footage provided by the victim of the theft. 

Officers booked Andersen into Woodbury County Jail for his warrants and also charged him with the Dec. 9 theft. 

Further investigations into Andersen have connected him to an additional theft of packages on Dec. 8 in the 5000 block of Glenn Ave and charges have been referred to the Woodbury County Attorney's Office in that matter. 

The doorbell camera footage provide was very valuable in connecting Andersen to these thefts. We encourage victims of package thefts to report the thefts and thank neighbors willing to provide valuable video evidence. 

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.

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.

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.

Body identified in July 20th train bridge incident

On July 20 at 12:04 p.m., an individual was seen walking across the train bridge connecting Sioux City to South Sioux City. The person was witnessed falling into the river near the Iowa side. It is unclear as to whether the person fell, or intentionally jumped off the bridge.

Sioux City Fire Rescue and the South Sioux City Fire Department scrambled search and rescue boats to locate the person, to no avail.

On July 23 at 9:30 a.m., a boater discovered a body floating in the river about one mile north of Dakota City, Nebraska. Sioux City Fire Rescue recovered a body that matched the description from the incident on the train bridge on the July 20.

The body has been identified as 32-year-old Timmy Nawanna of Sioux City. We want to express our condolences to the Nawanna family.

Early morning shooting reported at after hours club - SCPD #21-19532

Updated July 6 at 12:00 p.m. - On July 4 at 3:25 a.m., the Sioux City Police Department responded to MercyOne for two subjects seeking treatment for injuries from a shooting. One person was suffering a non-life-threatening gunshot wound and the other had minor lacerations.

A short time after receiving that report, reports of shots being fired at the after-hours club After Set (also known as Esquire) in the 400 block of W. 7th St. were received.

Responding officers located evidence of a shooting and indications of someone being injured in the incident.

The subjects seeking treatment at MercyOne are believed to have been the victims of the shooting but they refused to cooperate with the investigation.

Detectives are pursuing leads developed based on witness statements and other evidence collected at the shooting.

Anyone with information on this matter is encouraged to call the Sioux City Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 258-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at www.siouxcitypolice.com/crimestoppers.

Original Release July 4 at 5:30 a.m. - On 7-4-2021 at approximately 0325, Sioux City Police responded to Mercy One for two subjects who entered the hospital with apparent gunshot wounds. A short time after, Sioux City Police were dispatched to 414 w. 7th St, the Esquire Club, for a “shots fired” call. Upon arrival, officers were able to locate evidence a shooting had occurred, and likely persons were injured from the incident. At this time, the Sioux City Police Department is conducting an investigation and anyone with information on this incident should call 258-TIPS (8477).