Police Blotter
Newton Police
Department
• Jerry E. Bird Jr., 34, of Newton was charged with fifth-degree criminal mischief after police were called to investigate an attempted break-in at 6:48 p.m. Dec. 19 at 814 S. Fifth Ave. E. They discovered fresh footprints that led them to 310 E. 11th St. S., where Bird was located at his uncle’s house. While in police custody, Bird admitted to breaking two windows, causing an estimated $100 damage. He was released to appear.
• Christopher A. Blackett, 26, of Newton was charged with domestic assault after authorities responded to a complaint at 8:07 p.m. Dec. 18 at 300 E. 21st St. S. Upon arrival, officers met and spoke to the female victim. She stated that she tried to leave and Blackett allegedly fought her. She had red marks and bruises. Blackett was arrested and taken to jail.
• Melvin G. Hawkins Jr., 49, of Newton was charged with public intoxication after authorities responded to a complaint at 12:45 p.m. Tuesday at 1400 N. 11th Ave. E. Police discovered that Hawkins had an opened bottle of vodka. He has three past convictions of public intoxication. He was released to appear.
• Cody W. Neef, 29, of Newton was charged with driving while license revoked after authorities stopped him at 12:50 a.m. Dec. 19 at 100 W. Ninth St. S. He was taken to jail.
• Jeffery D. Quick, 40, of Newton was charged with public intoxication after authorities were called to Skiff Medical Center at 7:54 p.m. Dec. 18 in reference to a patient refusing to leave. Police found Quick stumbling and determined his blood alcohol content was .278. He taken to jail.
• Wesley A. Raridon, 26, of Newton was charged with domestic assault at 6:39 p.m. Sunday at 400 E. Fourth St. N. Officers met with the alleged victim’s sister, who reported that the victim allegedly was abused by her boyfriend. Raridon allegedly backhanded the victim, causing a split lip. He was arrested and taken to jail.
• Elizabeth A. Wilver, 28, of Newton was cited for driving while license suspended after authorities stopped her at 2:18 p.m. Friday in the 200 block of South Second Avenue East for having broken brakelights. Police discovered she had a suspended license. She was given a warning about the brakelights and cited for driving while license suspended. Wilver was released to appear.
• Joshua S. Winchell, 22, of Grinnell was cited for leaving the scene of an accident and driving while license suspended at 3:05 p.m. Sunday at 1102 First Ave. E. Winchell hit a vehicle driven by Dustin A.J. Ohmstede, 26, of Newton, causing an estimated $100 in damage to his vehicle. Winchell had an estimated $20 in damages to his vehicle.
• Sharon K. Woods, 42, of Newton was arrested for domestic assault at 9:30 p.m. Dec. 20 at 719 First St. S. Police were called in to investigate reports of an intoxicated female causing trouble. Police met with the reporting party, and Woods took the male victim onto a bed and choked him. Police were able to free the victim, and it was reported that she threatened to burn the house down with the victim and her inside. She was taken to jail.
• A handgun was found in the 1300 block of Iowa Speedway Drive. Please contact Newton police for more information.
Jasper County
Sheriff’s Office
• Lance A. Jones, 21, of Newton was arrested on a warrant for failure to follow pretrial release conditions at 1:20 p.m. Friday. He was already in jail on Dec. 17, and police discovered a warrant out for his arrest on Dec. 20. His original charges were drug-related and included possession of methamphetamine and possession of prescription drugs without a prescription. He remains in jail.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. It is the policy of the Newton Daily News to release the names of individuals charged with a crime who are 15 and older.
