Story from the Associated Press about concerns surrounding the new gun law:
Gun deaths have been surging in Iowa as a law is set to go into effect that will allow people to more easily buy handguns and carry them in public without training or a permit. The Iowa Department of Public Health said Tuesday that a record 353 people died from gunshot wounds in Iowa in 2020, a 23% increase from the previous high in 2019. This year saw 85 firearm homicides, an 80% increase. Suicides still made up three of every four gun deaths in the state. A leading gun violence researcher said he expects Iowa’s sweeping handgun deregulation that begins Thursday to make things even worse.
SPM NEWS 4.29.21 - 3:04PM
Sioux City police investigating a murder at a home near Glenn and South Mulberry Street in Morningside. A news release says when officer arrived for a check welfare call this morning, they found a man and woman dead from apparent gunshot wounds. Detectives believe they identified all of the parties involved and are not looking for any suspects in the case. A spokesperson was not able to confirm if the deaths were caused by murder-suicide.
Credit Sioux City Police Department
Authorities haven’t released more details on a farming accident in Woodbury County that killed an eight-year-old. The accident happened yesterday afternoon on a farm east of Climbing Hill.
Credit Sioux City Police Department
The Sioux City Police Department released preliminary crime statistics that show a 26% overall increase in violent crime from the year before. A news release from Police Chief Rex Mueller did show property crimes fell by 15%. He says while the COVID-19 pandemic likely impacted local crime numbers, officials can’t give specifics to why violent crime is up. There were six murders or homicides in 2020 with guns being involved in many of the city’s violent crimes.The Sioux City Police Department released yearly crime statistics that show a 26% overall increase in violent crime from the year before. A news release from Police Chief Rex Mueller did show property crimes fell by 15%. He says while the COVID-19 pandemic likely impacted local crime numbers, officials can’t give specifics to why violent crime is up. There were six murders or homicides in 2019 with guns being involved in many of the city’s violent crimes.
SPM NEWS 12.23.20 - 4:32PM
Sioux City Police are on the lookout for a Sioux City man accused of a shooting at a gentleman’s club over the weekend.
A woman was serious hurt during the shooting that took place after a fight outside Mavericks in the old stockyard area early on Saturday. The victim was in the parking lot at the time watching the confrontation that didn’t involve the suspect. Witnesses say 26-year-old Rudy C. Johnson started shooting toward the fight.
Johnson is considered armed and dangerous. He faces several charges including Willful Injury, Going Armed with Intent, Intimidation with a Dangerous Weapon, Assault while Participating in a Felony, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.