DES MOINES (IRN) – A former clerk in the Iowa Legislature has been indicted for a white powder hoax in the Southern District of Iowa. In April of 2012 Michael Dekota McRae reported opening an envelope containing a written death threat and a quantity of white powder during a public legislative session. McRae’s report resulted in a temporary shutdown. The indictment charges him with the formal charge of providing false information and hoaxes. If convicted, McRae faces up to 5 years imprisonment, and up to a $250,000 fine.
CORALVILLE, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Department of Public Safety is investigating a fatal shooting at the Coral Ridge Mall in Coralville Friday. The victim is a 20-year-old female. Her name is being withheld pending notification of family. A suspect in the shooting was stopped and arrested on Interstate 80 by the Iowa State Patrol and Scott County deputies. He has been identified as Alexander Matthew Kozak, 22, of North Liberty. The shooting happened in the food court.
RUNNELLS, IA (IRN) – A body was found in the Des Moines River Friday evening near Runnells. WHO-TV reports the discovery may be connected to the report of a man who fell into the water earlier this week north of Des Moines. Authorities are working to identify the victim.
OSKALOOSA, IA (IRN) – The suspect in an Oskaloosa arson case may not be competent to stand trial. KTVO-TV reports that 23-year old Danny Logan is accused of setting a fire in downtown Oskaloosa last month that destroyed two businesses. Logan’s public defender asked for a mental evaluation for his client claiming he showed clear signs of mental illness, including hearing voices. The court agreed and ordered that Logan be evaluated at the Iowa Medical Classification Center in Oakdale.
DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Supreme Court has affirmed the right to be drunk on your front porch. KCCI-TV reports that the court ruled in favor of Patience Paye, who appealed her 2013 conviction for public intoxication. Paye called police after fighting with her boyfriend and met officers on her front porch. While investigating the assault complaint an officer questioned Paye if she’d been drinking, and a test revealed her blood alcohol concentration more than three times the amount allowable when driving. She was charged, convicted but appealed, saying her front porch isn’t a public place. The Supreme Court agreed.