March 28, 2024

Police Blotter

Newton Police Department

• Hank L. Benson, 25, of Newton was charged with obstruction of emergency communication, third-degree burglary, criminal trespass and violation of no-contact orders after officers were dispatched at 12:07 p.m. May 22 to 500 N. Second Ave. E. on report of 911 hang up. Benson entered the victim’s home uninvited and with a no-contact order. When the victim tried to call the police, Benson ripped the phone out of her hand. The victim’s mother was able to call the police. Benson was taken to jail.

• Norman R. Lutz, 59, of Newton was cited for following too close after officers were dispatched at 8:20 p.m. June 28 to the 600 block of First Avenue East on report of a car accident. The driver of a vehicle in front of Lutz reported that a dog was in the street and slowed to not hit the dog. Lutz hit the rear of the other vehicle, causing an estimated $3,000 of damage to his own car and $1,000 to the other vehicle.

• Jerad M. McGinley, 28, Newton was arrested at 8:19 p.m. June 30 on a Jasper County warrant for probation violation on an original charge of arson after authorities located him at 318 E. 10th St. N. in Newton. He was taken to jail.

• Lester L. Moore, 87, of Ames was cited for failing to obey a stop sign after officers were dispatched to the intersection of North Fourth Avenue West and First Street North at 4:37 p.m. Wednesday on report of a car accident. Another vehicle was stopped eastbound at the intersection as Moore was stopped northbound. As the other vehicle passed through the intersection, Moore proceeded through before the other vehicle cleared the intersection. The total estimated damage caused was $3,000.

• Kevin T. Purcell, 25, of Newton was charged with third-degree theft after Purcell turned himself in at 2:15 p.m. Wednesday at the Newton Police Department. Purcell is alleged to have stolen a cell phone and a bag of money from the US Cellular store in Newton on Feb. 23. Several weeks later Purcell, a former employee, came into the store and purchased accessories for the phone. He was released to appear in court.

• Jeremy L. Rasmusson, 34, of Newton was charged with forging a prescription to obtain a schedule III controlled substance at 6:59 p.m. Wednesday at Hy-Vee. Rasmusson had three prescriptions, two of which were legitimate. The officers called Walmart, where he discovered that Rasmusson had attempted to do the same there. He was transported to jail.

Jasper County Sheriff’s Office

• Erika E. Axtell, 18, and Angel A Miranda, 23, both of Newton were charged with fifth-degree theft after officers were dispatched at 6:35 p.m. Tuesday at 1111 N. Third Ave. E. Axtell was charged with stealing items from the Lion’s Den on June 29 after an employee was able to identify her boyfriend, who is Miranda.

• Micky J. McLane, 41, of Colfax was arrested on an outstanding warrant for failing to appear to a review hearing in Jasper County after deputies discovered McLane at 11:20 p.m. Tuesday at the 8800 block of N. 19th Ave. W. The deputy observed McLane and others fishing.

• Jason A. Schutty, 42, of Newton was arrested on an outstanding warrant for domestic abuse assault at 10:30 p.m. on Thursday at Polk County Jail.