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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Two arrested, one sought following alleged assault Sunday

MUSCATINE Iowa – Two individuals have been arrested and a third is being sought following an investigation into an alleged assault that occurred on April 9, 2023, according to the Muscatine Police Department (MPD).

MPD officers responded to a report of an assault at the Muscatine Walmart, 3003 N. Highway 61, at approximately 11:33 a.m. Sunday, April 9, 2023.  A subsequent investigation established that two males had assaulted a third male causing an injury that required medical attention. 

As a result of the investigation, the following individuals have been arrested and charged for their involvement with the incident:

Duran Flowers Jr. – 08/05/94 – 1816 Logan St. C1, Serious Assault (causing bodily injury), Simple assault, and Disorderly Conduct.

Charlene Rene Thompson – 12/16/88 – 1816 Logan St. C1, Theft in the 5th degree.

In addition, an arrest warrant has been filed for the arrest of:

Emanuel Matthew Ellis – 05/26/04 – Address unknown, Serious Assault (causing bodily injury) and Disorderly Conduct.

All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Anyone who believes they may have additional information related to this incident is encouraged to call Officer Cesar Cabrera at (563) 263-9922 ext. 266.  

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Three arrested after drive-by shooting Tuesday night

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Three individuals have been arrested following an investigation by the Muscatine Police Officers of a drive-by shooting in Muscatine Tuesday night. 

The Muscatine Police Department responded at approximately 1:02 a.m. Wednesday (Jan. 18) to a report of gunshots fired in the 1300 block of Oak Street. There were no injuries reported but a residence was struck multiple times by gun fire. 

The suspect vehicle was stopped as it was leaving the scene. 

Three individuals were placed under arrest and charged with Intimidation with a Dangerous Weapon (C Felony) due to their involvement in the incident. Those charged include Christian James, 18 (DOB 11/26/2004), 102 Spencer Avenue, Fruitland, Iowa, a 17-year-old female from Muscatine, Iowa, and a 16-year-old male from Davenport, Iowa.

This is believed to be a targeted incident and there is no ongoing threat to the public. 

The Investigation into the incident is ongoing. Please contact Detective Jeff DeVrieze of the Muscatine Police Investigative Unit at 563-263-9922 (extension 611) if you have any information relevant to the case.  Callers may remain anonymous. 

All suspects should be considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Six teenagers are charged with Madison School break-in

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Six teenagers have been arrested by the Muscatine Police Department (MPD) following an investigation into the break-in and vandalism of Madison Elementary School in August.

The MPD and Muscatine Fire Department (MFD) responded to Madison Elementary School, 1820 1st Ave, for a fire alarm on August 5, 2022. When officers arrived they observed thousands of dollars of damage inside the school due to vandalism. 

An ongoing MPD investigation has resulted in the arrest of six teenagers for their involvement during the incident at Madison Elementary School.

The following arrests were made:

  • Male, age 17 arrested for Burglary 3rd Degree (Class D Felony), Theft 2nd Degree (Class D Felony), and Criminal Mischief 1st Degree (Class C Felony)
  • Male, age 16 arrested for Burglary 3rd Degree (Class D Felony), Theft 2nd Degree (Class D Felony), and Criminal Mischief 1st Degree (Class C Felony);
  • Female, age 16 arrested for Burglary 3rd Degree (Class D Felony), Theft 2nd Degree (Class D Felony), and Criminal Mischief 1st Degree (Class C Felony);
  • Female, age 15 arrested for Burglary 3rd Degree (Class D Felony), Theft 2nd Degree (Class D Felony), and Criminal Mischief 1st Degree (Class C Felony); 
  • Female, age 16 arrested for Burglary 3rd Degree (Class D Felony), Theft 2nd Degree (Class D Felony), and Criminal Mischief 1st Degree (Class C Felony); and, 
  • Female, age 18 arrested for Burglary 3rd Degree (Class D Felony), Theft 2nd Degree (Class D Felony), and Criminal Mischief 1st Degree (Class C Felony).

The Criminal Investigation by the MPD is continuing. Please contact Detective Jeff DeVrieze at 563-263-9922 extension 611 if you have any information about this incident. Callers may remain anonymous. 

PD RELEASE

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Muscatine man facing additional charges following arrest July 5

MUSCATINE, Iowa – A Muscatine man was arrested Tuesday (July 5) and is facing additional charges as a result of a continuing investigation by the Muscatine Police Department (MPD).

John Robert West, 47, Muscatine, Iowa, was arrested by the MPD and charged with six counts of Sex Abuse 2nd (B Felony) and one count of Lascivious Acts (C Felony). West was previously arrested by the MPD on February 25, 2022, for Sex Abuse 3rd (C Felony), Lascivious Acts (C Felony), and False Imprisonment (Serious Misdemeanor).

These new charges stem from the continued investigation into West and his activities. MPD investigators have reason to believe that West allegedly committed several sex acts with a child under the age of 12 during 2020.

If you have any information relevant to the case please contact Lt. David O’Connor of the Muscatine Police Investigative Unit at 563-263-9922 extension 608. Callers may remain anonymous. 

West is considered to be innocent of all the aforementioned charges until proven guilty in a court of law.

MPD Release

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Fruitland couple faces 42 charges of animal neglect

MUSCATINE, Iowa – A Fruitland couple was arrested Thursday (Feb. 24) and charged with 42 counts of animal neglect following a two-week investigation that began after 42 dogs were rescued from the couples’ mobile home in Fruitland on Feb. 10.

 

Muscatine Police Department (MPD) charged both Douglas Elshoff, 65, and Karen Elshoff, 61, 150 Main Street, Fruitland, Iowa, with 42 counts of animal neglect in accordance with Iowa Code Section 717B.3.

 

Douglas and Karen Elshoff were released on a promise to appear in court, and both are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

 

The Elshoff’s had previously signed over custody of all 42 dogs to the Muscatine Humane Society voluntarily. All dogs continue to be housed and treated at the Muscatine Humane Society, 920 South Houser Street, Muscatine, Iowa.

 

MPD received an anonymous tip on February 10, 2022, regarding allegations of animal neglect occurring at 150 Main Street, Fruitland, Iowa. The tip alleged that a couple were living in a mobile home with an excessive number of dogs. The overcrowded conditions in the mobile home were suspected of causing severe health issues for the dogs. 

 

Muscatine Animal Control Officer Courtney Patel investigated the anonymous tip, and discovered that an excessive number of dogs were housed in the mobile home, and concerns of overcrowding and unsanitary conditions were identified. 

 

In conjunction with the Muscatine Police Department, a search warrant was obtained for removal of the animals.

 

The Muscatine Police Department, with assistance from Muscatine Animal Control and the Muscatine Humane Society, accessed the residence and were able to rescue the animals. A total of 42 dogs were rescued from inside the mobile home. The conditions of the mobile home were considered unsafe for the animals due to the excessive amount of animal waste present, as well as a lack of access to adequate food and medical care. 

 

In accordance with Iowa Code 717B.5, which outlines the rescue of threatened animals, the Muscatine Police Department worked with the Muscatine Humane Society to take over possession, care, and maintenance of the animals while the investigation continues. The animals will remain with the Muscatine Humane Society until dispositional proceedings can be held.