Saturday, November 7, 2015

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (IRN) – Two people have been arrested after a Cedar Rapids police officer watched them attempt to break into a residence Friday morning.  KCRG-TV reports an officer observed a burglary in progress, and two suspects fled the scene in an SUV. The chase ended when the suspects lost control of the SUV and struck a parked vehicle. Both suspects fled on foot and were apprehended by police. There have been 29 burglaries reported in Cedar Rapids this week.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – One person is dead following a shooting in Des Moines Friday night, according to WHO-TV. The shooting was a approximately a dozen blocks north and east of downtown. When police arrived, they found the body of an adult male. The incident is under investigation.

CEDAR FALLS, IA (IRN) – The cause has been found in a Cedar Falls motel explosion and death, according to KWWL-TV. 43-year-old Matthew Ferleman was killed in the explosion that happened at the Shady Rest Motel in October. Authorities say the explosion was caused when Ferleman blew out the pilot light on a gas appliance the previous night, in an attempt to commit suicide. But when Ferleman awoke the next day he attempted to light a cigarette, causing the explosion.

SIOUX CENTER, IA (IRN) – An arsonist is at work in Sioux Center, according to KCAU-TV. Four fires over the span of four months have been determined to be no accident. The most recent act of arson was Friday, when a farmhouse on display at the Heritage Village on Sioux Center’s fairgrounds was almost completely destroyed, as well as the artifacts inside.

OTTUMWA, IA (IRN) – The Target store in Ottumwa is one of 13 Target stores closing nationwide due to falling profits. WOI-TV reports customers immediately responded in an attempt to save the store. A Facebook page, Save Ottumwa Target, and a petition have been started. People in the area say they don’t have a lot to choose from. Despite the community’s efforts, the store will likely close indefinitely on January 31 after more than 40 years in business.