CRIME & SAFETY
Pedestrian killed after being hit by semi tractor trailer in Marion
MARION, Iowa (KCRG) - A man died early Friday morning after being hit by a semi tractor trailer. Marion police said first responders were called to Iowa Highway 13 near Linn Aire Avenue just before 3 a.m. for a crash involving a semi tractor trailer and a pedestrian. First responders...
OPERATION QUICKFIND: Alison Harris
CENTRAL CITY, Iowa — The Linn County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in locating 16-year-old Alison Harris. Harris was last seen Thursday evening at her home on W Broadway Street in Central City. Authorities tell Iowa's News Now Harris, who is just over 5' tall, was...
Trial set for two of three men charged with kidnapping, killing Marion woman
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - Trials for two of the three men accused of killing a Marion woman and dumping her body in the Amanas have now been delayed. Dakota Van Patten, 18, and McKinley Louisma, 23, are charged with first-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping and conspiracy to commit a forcible felony. Prosecutors say the two kidnapped and killed Melody Hoffman in February before dumping her body at Lily Pond in the Amanas. Prosecutors say Louisma had a previous relationship with Hoffman.
Car into Cedar River, suspects swim in attempt to elude police
Two people are now arrested and charged after a car chase that ended with the suspect's vehicle in the Cedar River. Around 12:30 Friday morning police attempted a traffic stop in 500 block of 33rd Ave SW. The suspects fled in their vehicle and a pursuit started heading in to...
Sentencing pushed for man found guilty in 2023 St. Patrick's Day murder
Still no sentencing for Duval Walker, Jr. He was found guilty in March of shooting and killing Cameron Barnes during a fight at Cocktail's and Company in Marion Saint Patrick's Day 2023. Sentencing was scheduled for Friday. During that hearing the defense said a new witness to the incident had...
OPERATION QUICKFIND: 16-year-old Amiracle Hugh last seen on SW side of Cedar Rapids
An Operation Quickfind has been issued for 16-year-old Amiracle Hugh. Hugh's mother is asking for the public's help in bringing her daughter home after Hugh went missing from Four Oaks Family and Children Services. A flyer posted on Facebook says Hugh was last seen Wednesday on the southwest side of...
One Person Hurt After Single-Vehicle Crash in Cedar Rapids
(Cedar Rapids, IA) -- One person suffered minor injuries after a single vehicle crash in Cedar Rapids. Cedar Rapids Police say the crash happened in the 2000 block of Williams Boulevard SW. The cause of the crash has not yet been determined. The identity of the driver has not been released.
Verdict hearing set in Padgett cold case murder trial
The verdict hearing is set in the case of Curtis Padgett. Padgett was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in March 2023 for the alleged killing of Dennis First. Padgett elected for a bench trial and will hear the judge's verdict on May 3rd. First was found dead at his...
Cedar Rapids woman makes Alford plea in school theft case
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - Court records show a Cedar Rapids woman, accused of stealing money from a school, is taking an Alford plea. Nicole Blevins is charged with second degree theft. Blevins is accused of taking more than $10,000 from Madison Elementary School from January 2022 until April 2023.
Cedar Rapids school safety coordinator responds to swatting calls made to the district
The Cedar Rapids Community School District has seen three threats of gun violence not even four months into the year that turned out to be swatting calls. The district's safety coordinator said providing false information to law enforcement is no joke, and the district plans on educating students on the consequences of swatting calls.
Cedar Rapids schools and local groups unite for Youth Violence Prevention Week
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — The Cedar Rapids Community School District, Foundation 2 Crisis Services, and Linn County Public Health are joining forces to foster peace and prevent violence among youth. March 22 - 26 marks National Youth Violence Prevention Week, and the Stand Up For Peace initiative was brought...
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