Law Enforcement Narrows Search Efforts, Thanks Volunteers for their Time

Webster County, IOWA --- After four and a half days of broad and exhaustive search efforts to find Kathlynn Shepard, law enforcement is scaling back and narrowing their focus on terrain that is more difficult to navigate. At this time citizen volunteers are no longer needed, as future search efforts will require specialized skills and equipment.

:Regions: All
:Division: DCI, ISP

Blood Evidence Confirmed as Belonging to Kathlynn Shepard

Webster County, IOWA --- At a 4:00 PM press conference today in Dayton, Iowa, the Department of Public Safety’s Division of Criminal Investigation disclosed more evidence in the investigation and search for Kathlynn Shepard.  In particular, blood found at a hog confinement has been identified as belonging to Kathlynn Shepard.

:Regions: All
:Division: DCI, ISP

Law Enforcement to Provide New Information this Afternoon in the Investigation of Missing Teen

Webster County, IOWA --- Law enforcement will hold a media availability at 4:00 PM today, May 23, 2013 at the Dayton Community Center, located at the intersection of 1st Street and 1st Street NW, Dayton, Iowa.

:Regions: All
:Division: DCI, ISP

Statement from Kathlynn Shepard's Family

Webster County, IOWA --- Below is a statement from Kathlynn Shepard's family, thanking the community for their support.

:Regions: All
:Division: DCI, ISP

New Information in the Search for Kathlynn Shepard

Webster County, IOWA --- Investigators and search parties have gained additional information surrounding the abduction and subsequent search for Kathlynn Shepard. Most significantly, a search team of law enforcement and K9s located the young girls' backpacks late yesterday, Tuesday, May 21, 2013. Additionally, investigators obtained an image of Kathlynn from the day of the abduction.

:Regions: All
:Division: DCI, ISP

Former Indianola City Attorney Arrested

Indianola, IOWA – Today, Wednesday, May 22, 2013, John Hoyman, the former Indianola City Attorney and Indianola Municipal Utilities (IMU) general legal counsel, was arrested on felony charges of Theft 1st, Fraudulent Practices, and Felonious Misconduct in Office.

:Regions: 5
:Division: DCI

Significant Locations Being Searched in Efforts to Find Kathlynn Shepard

Webster County, IOWA --- More than 120 officers and 200 first responders and volunteers searched throughout the day in Webster, Boone and Hamilton Counties, trying to locate 15 year old Kathlynn Shepard. The search has been driven by investigative leads. This information continues to direct law enforcement to search locations within 20 miles of Dayton, Iowa.

:Regions: All
:Division: DCI, ISP

Search for Missing Teen Continues, Law Enforcement Solicit Information on Suspect

Webster County, IOWA --- The search for 15 year old Kathlynn Shepard continues this morning as many officers and volunteers scour rural lands in Webster, Boone and Hamilton Counties. As officers continue the search on the ground, citizens are asked to submit any information they have surrounding Kathlynn's whereabouts or the whereabout of her suspected abductor.

:Regions: All
:Division: DCI, ISP

10:00 AM Press Briefing Scheduled on Missing Iowa Teen

Webster County, IOWA --- Law enforecement will host a 10:00 AM press briefing to update media on overnight activities related to the search for 15 year old Kathlynn Shepard. Media should arrive by 9:50 AM at the Dayton Community Center, located at inersection of 1st Stree and 1st Street NW.

:Regions: All
:Division: DCI, ISP

Next Media Availability at Midnight - Law Enforcement Continue Search for Missing Teen

Webster County, IOWA --- Law enforcement will be available for interviews tonight at 10:30 PM at the Dayton Fire Station, located at 202 1st Ave. SW, in Dayton, Iowa.

:Regions: All
:Division: DCI, ISP

Media Availability at 10:30 PM: Law Enforcement Search for Missing Teen in Reported Webster County Abduction

Webster County, IOWA --- Law enforcement will be available for interviews tonight at 10:30 PM at the Dayton Fire Station, located at 202 1st Ave. SW, in Dayton, Iowa.

:Regions: All
:Division: DCI, ISP

Law Enforcement Search for Missing Teen in Reported Webster County Abduction

Webster County, IOWA --- Law enforcement in Dayton, Iowa and Webster County, in coordination with the Iowa Department of Public Safetym, is requesting the public's help in finding a 15 year old girl.

:Regions: All
:Division: DCI, ISP

Media Availability on Arrest of Council Bluffs Physician

Council Bluffs, IOWA --- Earlier today, 68 year old Dr. Dennis Jones of Council Bluffs turned himself in to law enforcement at the Pottawattamie County Jail.  He is now facing one count of Second Degree Sexual Abuse, a Class B Felony. 

:Regions: 1, 4, 5
:Division: DCI

Investigators Release Names of Involved Parties in Waterloo Officer Involved Shooting

Waterloo, IOWA --- On Wednesday, May 15, 2013, at approximately 1:06 AM, Waterloo Police responded to a 911 call regarding a man with a knife near E 4th Street and Sycamore Street in Waterloo.

:Regions: All
:Division: DCI

Ft. Madison Man Arrested for Hiring another to Intimidate, Shoot at Peace Officers

Ft. Madison, Iowa --- On May 17, 2013, 18 year old Dillen Eaves from Ft. Madison, Iowa, was arrested and charged with Conspiracy to Commit Terrorism, a class B felony, and Conspiracy to Commit Intimidation with a Dangerous Weapon, a class C felony. 

:Regions: All
:Division: DCI

DPS Announces Addition of Eight Humvees to Enhance Disaster Relief Operations

Des Moines, IOWA --- The Department of Public Safety (DPS) has added eight Humvees to its fleet through the military’s 1033 Program.  The 1033 program allows a transfer of military equipment to law enforcement agencies to enhance operations at no cost to the agency.  When the agency no longer desires to retain the equipment, the property is returned to the military. 

:Regions: All
:Division: ISP

Iowa DCI Investigates Waterloo Police Department Officer Involved Shooting.

Waterloo, IOWA --- On Wednesday, May 15, 2013, at approximately 1:06 AM, Waterloo Police were dispatched to E 4th Street and Sycamore Street in Waterloo on a report of a man with a knife.

:Regions: 2, 3
:Division: DCI

Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Investigates Waterloo Police Department Office Involved Shooting

Waterloo, IOWA --- Release of Information related to Officer Involved Shooting in Waterloo, Iowa. 2:30 PM press conference scheduled.

:Regions: 2, 3
:Division: DCI

DCI Awarding Iowa 5th Graders for Artistic Depictions of the Nation’s Missing Children Problem

Des Moines, IOWA --- Recent events in Ohio and related news coverage have brought public attention to the issue of missing children/persons across the country.  These frightening situations were reviewed and discussed by Iowa’s youth this winter when they participated in the National Missing Children’s Day Poster Contest.

:Regions: 5
:Division: DCI

Updated Media Contact Information

Des Moines, IOWA --- The Department of Public Safety would like to introduce Lieutenant Robert Hansen, as the Public Information Bureau Chief.  Lieutenant Hansen will join Jessica Lown, Communications Manager as the Department strives to increase media outreach during critical incidents and as new initiatives are introduced.

:Regions: All
:Division: All

REMINDER: THREE MORE NAMES TO LINE IOWA PEACE OFFICER MEMORIAL

Des Moines, IOWA --- This Friday, the State of Iowa will honor three officers who died in the line of duty: Stuart Police Department Chief Robert Smith, Motor Vehicle Enforcement Officer Philip J. Adams, and Floyd County Deputy Levi Bowers.  Each of these men died as a result of their efforts to secure Iowa communities.

:Regions: All
:Division: All

Suspect Arrested in Death of Oskaloosa Infant

Oskaloosa, IOWA – Today, Tuesday, April 23, 2013, officers with the Oskaloosa Police Department and the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) arrested and charged Bryan Draper Vilcone with Murder in the 1st Degree, a Class A Felony.

:Regions: 5, 6
:Division: DCI

State Patrol Continues Investigation Into Saturday Fatality Crash

Mapleton, IOWA --- On Saturday, April 20, 2013, a single vehicle collision occurred at approximately 1:00 AM on Highway 141, east of Pecan Avenue NW in Mapelton, Iowa (Monona County).  The collision involved a 2004 Ford F250 Pickup.

:Regions: 1, 4
:Division: ISP

Two Arrested After Lengthy Probe by New Iowa Financial Investigation Team

Nevada, IOWA --- Beginning at 9:00 AM this morning, law enforcement from multiple state, local and federal agencies executed Operation Landlord with search warrants at four different locations in Story, Polk and Woodbury Counties. Additionally, two individuals were arrested for allegedly stealing more than $407,430 from the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT).

:Regions: All
:Division: DCI

New Iowa Financial Investigation Team to Hold Press Conference; Disclose Details on First Case, Arrests

Nevada, IOWA --- Early this morning, teams of law enforcement officers from local, state and federal agencies executed several search warrants for a large-scale theft and money laundering investigation involving a former Department of Transportation (DOT) employee.  The employee and several associates are accused of misusing DOT resources for personal, financial gain.

:Regions: All
:Division: DCI

Vehicle Thieves Beware: State Patrol, Nationwide Partner to Deter Theft across Iowa

Des Moines, IOWA --- Today, the Iowa State Patrol and Nationwide Insurance Company are launching a statewide initiative to deter and catch vehicle thieves.  In the following weeks and months, several highly equipped vehicles will be deployed in communities across Iowa.  These cars have GPS tracking and in-car video surveillance capabilities, all designed to catch car thieves in-the-act.

:Regions: All
:Division: ISP

Iowa State Patrol Partners with Des Moines Insurance Company to Deter Auto Theft

Des Moines, IOWA --- The Iowa State Patrol and Nationwide Insurance Company are launching a statewide initiative to deter and catch vehicle thieves.  Join us today in Des Moines to learn more about this unique program that will use a combination of old-fashioned police work, paired with modern technology to catch vehicle thieves red handed.

:Regions: All
:Division: ISP

Boone Man Arrested in Kansas City at Conclusion of DCI Death Investigation

Boone, IOWA --- After a year-long investigation by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and Boone Police Department, 39 year old Alexander Joseph Fazzino has been arrested and charged with Murder in the First Degree, a Class A Felony.  Fazzino is accused of killing his wife, 32 year old Emily Fazzino.

:Regions: All
:Division: DCI

DCI, Boone PD Hold Press Conference on Year-long Death Investigation

Boone, IOWA --- Today the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the Boone Police Department will hold a press conference to release information on a year-long death investigation and the successful identification and arrest of a suspect. Media and the public are invited to attend.

:Regions: All
:Division: DCI

No Evidence of Foul Play in Inmate Death, DCI and Medical Examiner Continue Investigation

Woodbury County, IOWA --- The State Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy of Anthony R. Josta on Thursday, March 28, 2013 at their office in Ankeny, Iowa.  Preliminary autopsy results indicate there is no evidence of foul play related to Josta’s death.  The cause and manner of death will be determined once toxicology tests are completed.  Those test results could take six to eight weeks.

:Regions: All
:Division: DCI

Two Charged in March After Investigations Reveal Illegal Voter Registration, other Violations

Des Moines, IOWA --- This month the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) secured two arrest warrants related to violations of the laws surrounding voter registration in the state of Iowa.

:Regions: All
:Division: DCI

Iowa State Patrol Continues Investigation into Morning Fatality Crash

Kossuth County, IOWA --- On Friday, March 22, 2013, a collision occurred at approximately 6:20 a.m. on Highway #169 two miles north of Algona in Kossuth County. 

:Regions: 1, 2
:Division: ISP

Traffic Safety Efforts Recognized at Annual Meeting

Altoona, IOWA --- Traffic safety professionals gathered at the Meadows Events and Conference Center on March 19th and 20th for the annual Governor’s Highway Traffic Safety Conference.  Over 250 people heard presentations on crash reduction efforts, speed enforcement, new federal highway safety directives, mental health issues and traffic safety, commercial vehicle enforcement, and traffic safety issues for youth.

:Regions: All
:Division: GTSB, ISP

Taste Buds Light Up in Anticipation of Firehouse Chili Cook-off at the State Capitol

Des Moines, IOWA --- As part of Firefighter Day on the Hill, the Office of the State Fire Marshal has organized a "Firehouse Chili Cook-off." Tomorrow more than 30 teams from fire service, law enforcement, public health, and emergency response agencies will fire up their crock pots and dish out some taste bud pleasing chili.

:Regions: All
:Division: SFM

Do You Know a Local Hero? DPS Now Accepting Nominations for Governor's Lifesaving Awards

Des Moines, IOWA --- The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is now accepting nominations for the Governor's Lifesaving Awards. These special recognition awards are granted to average citizens who took extraordinary measures to save the life of someone else.

:Regions: All
:Division: All

Iowa Trooper Receives National Award

Des Moines, IOWA --- A Trooper with the Iowa State Patrol has been selected as one of 10 law enforcement officers from across the nation to receive an award from the National Association of Police Organizations. The TOP COPS Award pays tribute to men and women in law enforcement for their outstanding service to America’s communities.  Trooper Mark Domino’s selection to receive this prestigious award stems from his involvement with a situation in October following a bank robbery in Maynard, IA.

:Regions: All
:Division: ISP

Law Enforcement Seek Information, Possible Stolen Goods in Chickasaw County Murder Investigation

Chickasaw County, IOWA --- Law Enforcement officials in Northeast Iowa request assistance from the public in the death investigation of 70 year old Carl “Kenny” Gallmeyer.

:Regions: All
:Division: DCI

Juvenile Charged After November Shooting Incident

Hardin County, Iowa --- Seventeen year old Richard Awe-Kramer of Marshalltown, Iowa was arrested today and charged with one count of intimidation with a dangerous weapon, a class C felony and one count of assaults on persons engaged in certain occupations, a class D felony.

:Regions: All
:Division: DCI

Top DPS Leaders Kickoff Guns N Hoses Hockey Match!

Des Moines, IOWA --- Colonel Dave Garrison from the Iowa State Patrol and State Fire Marshal Ray Reynolds will join dozens of cops and firefighters on the ice at Bucs Arena March 3, 2013 at 1:30 PM for the annual Guns N Hoses hockey match.

:Regions: 5
:Division: ISP, SFM

Remember: 511 Before Travel, 911 for Emergencies

Des Moines, IOWA --- As the latest snow storm sweeps across Iowa this afternoon and evening, motorists considering travel should keep two numbers in mind. Remember to check 511 before you travel and dial 911 in an emergency.

:Regions: All
:Division: ISP

Witness the Future of Public Safety and Emergency Response at Wireless Broadband Demonstration

Des Moines, IOWA --- A severe weather event and major crash will be simulated at the Iowa Department of Public Safety tomorrow, February 19, 2013. During this simulation you can witness the high-tech future of emergency response for police, fire and EMS. See first-hand the technology of tomorrow, today!

:Regions: All
:Division: All

Bremer County Recorder Charged for Taking Funds Intended for the County

Bremer County, Iowa --- Today, Special Agents with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and Investigators with the Bremer County Sheriff’s Office arrested 59 year old Donna Ellison.  Ellison was charged with Felonious Misconduct in Office and Theft in the 3rd Degree.

:Regions: All
:Division: DCI

IOWA SMOKE ALARM PROJECT ACCEPTS NEW FUNDING TO PROTECT FAMILIES

Ankeny, IOWA --- The State Fire Marshal's Smoke Alarm Installation Program managed by the Iowa Firefighter's Association has received a $245,000 federal smoke alarm grant and a $50,000 State Farm Insurance grant to help meet  Fire Marshal Ray Reynolds’ goal that every Iowa child grow up in a home with smoke alarms.

:Regions: All
:Division: SFM

Pacific Junction Man Arrested for Death of Child

Pacific Junction, IOWA --- Today, 22 year old Colby Puckett of Pacific Junction was arrested and charged with 1st Degree Murder for the death of 13 month old Aliyanna May.  Investigators have determined that Puckett was the only adult with Aliyanna at the time she sustained injuries to her head and eyes.  Puckett is currently being held at the Mills County Jail.  His bond has been set at $1,000,000.00.

:Regions: 1, 4
:Division: DCI

DCI Continues Investigation into Pacific Junction Child Death

Pacific Junction, IOWA --- On Friday, February 1, 2013 at 10:54 AM, Mills County Communications Center received a 911 call reporting an unresponsive small child.  As a result of this call, rescue units were dispatched to a residence in Pacific Junction, Iowa.

:Regions: 1, 4
:Division: DCI

Five New DPS Directors to Take Oath of Office

Des Moines, IOWA --- Members of the media and public are invited to attend today's promotional ceremony at which five new leaders for the Iowa Department of Public Safety will take the official oath of office.

:Regions: All
:Division: All

Iowa State Patrol Accepts Grant for Distracted Driving Simulators

Des Moines, IOWA -- The Iowa Department of Public Safety/Iowa State Patrol Division and State Farm Insurance have teamed up in an effort to increase awareness about distracted driving.

:Regions: All
:Division: ISP

Kellerton, Iowa Teen Charged with Attempted Murder after Morning Pursuit, Shooting

Decatur County, IOWA --- This afternoon 16 year old Chance Newton of Kellerton, Iowa faces two counts of Attempted Murder after leading law enforcement on a pursuit through Decatur County and shooting a weapon at several officers.  Additional charges are pending.

:Regions: All
:Division: DCI, ISP

Cause, Manner of Death Released in Sac County Death Investigation

Sac City, IOWA --- The preliminary autopsy findings from the State Medical Examiner’s Office show that 45 year old Marilyn Schmitt died of sharp force injuries.  Her death has been ruled a homicide.

:Regions: All
:Division: DCI

Sac County Sheriff, DCI Find Deceased Woman While Investigating Separate Kidnapping

Early, IOWA --- Law enforcement in western Iowa continue to investigate the suspicious death of a western Iowa woman whose remains were discovered while officers were investigating the alleged kidnapping and attempted sexual assault of another victim.

:Regions: All
:Division: DCI

FIRE MARSHAL REPORTS 217 PEOPLE GREET 2013 AFTER THEIR LIVES WERE SAVED BY A SMOKE ALARM IN 2012

Des Moines, IOWA --- While 42 lives have been lost to fire in Iowa for the year ending 2012, a record number of lives were saved when working smoke alarms alerted 217 people to a fire taking over their home.

:Regions: All
:Division: SFM