UPDATE: An officer for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources in Johnson County says the department was unable to determine cause of death for two deer found in a city park. Foot chase or other pursuit of a suspect. Iowa DNR Customer Service The Iowa Department of Natural Resources accuses a Burlington felon of poaching a trophy buck with a muzzleloader rifle in October. Clark claimed he found the deer stuck in a creek bottom with a broken leg and shot it out of mercy, but DNR conservation officers seized the 14-point set of antlers in 2013 during an. He would have never hurt anyone. The complaint alleges that the DNR failed to properly train, equip, and limit Speces conduct in matters outside of his expertise and maintain appropriate oversight of his activities. All Rights Reserved. Sgt. Educate adults and children through hunter education, outdoor skills workshops, and other courses. We deliver data in various formats to decision makers and the public. Multiple law enforcement agencies then went to the home, along with Langs father, who told responding officers that his son had several firearms, Mortvedt said. Iowa Department of Natural Resources, IA. Its not a priority of society., All of society is paying for the consequences of these things and to this point we have not demonstrated the willingness to pay to prevent the consequences this is causing,, Until we get to that point, we are going to continue to have parents in these positions and police officers who are living with having to pull the trigger., We can pass all the gun laws in the world and it wont go away,, Gun laws wouldnt have changed what happened yesterday (Saturday)., While we will never understand, we are trying to accept the choices made by all,, And while Shane is now pain free, we will carry that for him as will the officer who fired the fatal shot.. Iowa DNR Customer Service: 515-725-8200 (phone) The DNR investigation also uncovered more deer and a turkey they accuse Rhodes of poaching. An officer with the Iowa DNR then fired at Jensen, who was fatally wounded. Jensen was well known to law enforcement officers in Humboldt, according to the complaint. He is in critical condition after undergoing surgery at a hospital, according to Mortvedt. Office: (515) 414-3292. A Warner Bros. Published Iowa's natural resources plates include the state bird and flower, pheasant, eagle, buck and a Brook trout. Shane Jensen, 19, of Humboldt, was shot and killed Saturday afternoon in Dakota City by an Iowa Department of Natural Resources officer, authorities said. The Law Enforcement Bureau has 90 conservation officers including six supervisors, six recreational safety officers, and 78 field officers. additions, photos or related links (see below). Those providing information can remain anonymous. Robert L McFarland - 3/23/21 - Corrections Officer at Anamosa State Penitentiary, from Ely, was killed in an attack by inmates. CERTIFIED QUESTIONS ANSWERED. Information / Records Requests Senior reporter Jared Strong has written about Iowans and the important issues that affect them for more than 15 years, previously for the Carroll Times Herald and the Des Moines Register. Law enforcement officers pledge to serve the public and put their lives on the line daily. Inspect game breeders, taxidermists, bait dealers, and other commercial users. He was rushed to Hershey Hospital in Muscatine where doctors tried in vain to save him. They obtained a search warrant to collect text messages and photos from Rhodes cellphone and discovered a photo showing a muzzleloader in front of him while he was hunting a baited food plot, according to documents associated with the search warrant. As U.S. federal deputy game wardens, they also may cross state lines when violations of federal wildlife laws have been committed. Representing Wagner is Attorney David OBrien, of Cedar Rapids. At 5:50 pm on July 2, 1955, Ralph Garthwaite #218 was driving his patrol car north bound toward Dunlap about two miles north of Woodbine on Highway 30 north of Council Bluffs. Lang got out of his vehicle and assaulted the officer, disarming him of his taser and radio before placing him in a chokehold, Mortvedt said during the news conference. But rest assured were not broken, the commissioner said. Mon - Fri, 8:00am - 4:30pm CST The officer shot and killed the son during an armed standoff. Experience Iowa's natural beauty and all the fun our state parks offer. The IWVC member states reciprocate regarding the suspension or revocation of licenses and permits resulting from violation of hunting, fishing, or trapping laws. Enforce laws related to hunting, trapping, fishing, navigation, commercial fishing, snowmobiling, and all-terrain vehicles. Most maintain offices in their homes and in their assigned work vehicles. Conservation Law Enforcement (Contact and General Information) Natural resources law enforcement is one responsibility of the Iowa DNR, which is the state government agency that protects and enhances Iowa's natural resources. Des Moines, IA. The accident caused fatal injuries to Patrolman Ralph Garthwaite. Copyright 2022 KCRG. Follow Iowa Capital Dispatch on Facebook and Twitter. 13 Fallen Officers. Wildlife Diversity Staff Iowa DNR's wildlife diversity staff work with the species in Iowa that are not hunted, trapped or fished for which are sometimes identified as "nongame" wildlife. Submit Online Inquiry Jensen fired the weapon into the air and then pointed the gun at the officers, the Iowa Department of Public Safety reported. Olsen's body was recovered on June 2 from the river south of where the boat sank, according to law enforcement. A job that can be dangerous as the following links will show. She is seeking judgement against the defendants in an amount sufficient to fairly and adequately compensate for her losses and damages, for interest and cost as allowed by law; for punitive damages against defendant Spece and for such other further relief as the court deems appropriate., Today's breaking news and more in your inbox, Copyright Messenger News | https://www.messengernews.net | 713 Central Ave., Fort Dodge, IA 50501 | 515-573-2141, We are just trying to hold law enforcement officers accountable for their wrongful conduct,, Thats what the lawsuit is about. He is the second trooper to be shot and killed in the line of duty since 1936, a press release from the Iowa State Patrol said. Example scenarios: Struggle with a suspect. In the early hours of November 2, 2016, Des Moines Police Department officer Anthony Beminio and Urbandale Police Department officer Justin Martin were killed in separate "ambush-style" shootings in and near Des Moines, Iowa. Smith was a part of an entry team which went into the home and was shot by Lang, according to Mortvedt. Deaths. Wildlife Management Areas - Staff The DNR's Wildlife management staff manages over 356,000 acres that are available for public recreational use every day of the year. INVESTIGATORS FOUND HER BODY FOUR DAYS LATER. Investigators said Jensen had expressed thoughts of suicide by cop to family members before he stole a motor vehicle. Jim Smith, a 27-year-veteran of the Iowa State Patrol, was shot and killed in the line of duty Friday, officials said. Most also participate in outdoor recreation and have prior experience in natural resource fields. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. CNN has not been able to determine if Lang has legal representation. Please see our republishing guidelines for use of photos and graphics. Amazon Has Uncanny Dupes of CB2's Popular Dining Chair for Hundreds Less. Last Tuesday, officials with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources killed a puma (aka cougar or mountain lion) in west-central Iowa: the first female confirmed in the state in more than. The man then assaulted one of the officers and disarmed him after placing the officer in a chokehold. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation continues to investigate. Last night Iowa state patrol officer Jim Smith died a hero, Bayens said during a news conference. Iowans value integrity in their government. For example, if an Iowa resident has their hunting privileges suspended in Minnesota, their privileges may also be suspended in Iowa and in all other compact states. Klinkefus was thrown clear of the wreckage, but landed on a fence. 71. Officials have not released that officer's name. Other transportation tools include boats, snowmobiles, and all-terrain vehicles. Gun laws wouldnt have changed what happened yesterday (Saturday).. We also provide GIS support and training to other sections of the DNR. We will litigate it and see what happens. There have been at least 231 wildlife officers that have been killed or We will continue to shoulder the burdens of our communities while carrying our own. Information / Records Requests Patrolman Harold DeGeardied the following day. The case remains ongoing. Shane Jensen, 19, of Humboldt, was shot and killed Saturday afternoon in Dakota City by an Iowa Department of Natural Resources officer, authorities said. BELLEVUE, Iowa (AP) - Officials have identified the person who died in a fall at an Iowa state park as an eastern Iowa woman. appreciated. (environmental spills, 24hr number) 515-725-8694 . 2. Trooper Benda was traveling down Highway 51 in rural Allamakee County. Bystanders from a nearby motel tried to extinguish the flames, but were unsuccessful. Make your online reservation for state park cabins, camping sites, shelters and lodges. Please e-mail us any Game Wardens Killed In The Line Of Duty. And while Shane is now pain free, we will carry that for him as will the officer who fired the fatal shot., Today's breaking news and more in your inbox, Copyright Messenger News | https://www.messengernews.net | 713 Central Ave., Fort Dodge, IA 50501 | 515-573-2141, We sought evaluations and appointments locally, and some of them were scheduled six to eight months out,, The truth of the matter is, Shane is and was a great kid,, He would have never hurt anyone. Grundy Center is about 80 miles northeast of Des Moines. Her body was found several days later. Rhodes is being represented by a local attorney for the hunting violations, according to court records, but he has retained a pair of prominent West Des Moines attorneys, Bill Kutmus and Trever Hook, to defend him in the felony case. Robert J Vidimos II - 11/16/20 - Correctional Officer assigned to the Iowa Correctional Institution for Women in Mitchellville, from Ames, Died from complications as the result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. There is nowhere in Iowa, and insurance companies dont want to cover it, she said. Federal law does not classify certain muzzleloaders as firearms, and felons in some states are allowed to possess them. Mon - Fri, 8:00am - 4:30pm CST Jensens mother, Krystal Wagner, of Humboldt, filed the lawsuit against Spece and the DNR on Wednesday. and Fish Wardens just to name a few. A Grundy Center Police officer attempted to pull over Lang, who is not allowed to drive, around 7:22 p.m. Friday, according to Mortvedt. Iowa law is murky on the subject. He doesnt believe legislation addressing gun control is the answer. TIP - Turn in Poachers. Her husband, who is Shane Jensens stepfather, Bob Wagner, agreed. Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Until we get to that point, we are going to continue to have parents in these positions and police officers who are living with having to pull the trigger.. Conservation Officer Sarah Grell End of watch: May 24, 2021 Age: 39 Grell, who served for 16 years as a conservation officer, died as a result of injuries she sustained in a vehicle crash. Submit Online Inquiry Did you encounter any technical issues? Reynolds will order flags in Iowa be flown at half-staff on the day of Smiths interment, the statement from her office said. Its with deep sorrow that we recognize the loss of Iowa State Patrol Sgt. The force of the impact threw both vehicles into the ditch. Submit Contact Information. Conservation officers are usually highly motivated, independent workers. 0. Wagners son, Shane Jensen, 19, of Humboldt, was reportedly hiding under the deck of a home located at 205 Fourth St. S. when officers arrived on scene at about 2:30 p.m. Saturday, according to the Iowa Department of Public Safety. Trooper Pilot Lance Dietsch #142, age 30, of Council Bluffs and Trooper Stanley E. Gerling #190, age 34, of Atlantic responded in a Maule Patrol aircraft. Everybody had families, and we wanted them to go home to their families and the normalcy that they were probably blessed with because we havent had normalcy with Shane for quite some time.. In-Person Locations: You must show proof of residency. THE BOAT WAS A 30 FOOT RED AND WHITE SCARAB WITH AN OKLAHOMA REGISTRATION. The department also oversees fisheries, wildlife, parks, forestry, and environmental protection. They tend to be career employees; turnover can be relatively low and hiring is competitive. The impact of the crash was severe. A federal district court certified four questions of Iowa law in a wrongful death and loss of consortium case including damage claims under the Iowa Constitution. We always felt at a loss and we put it on our backs, but none of us are equipped to handle that., There is nowhere in Iowa, and insurance companies dont want to cover it,, If he goes for depression, not covered. On Friday evening, June 30, 1989, the Cass County Sheriffs Department contacted the Iowa State Patrol requesting help with locating an elderly man who had wandered away from the nursing home. Conservation Officer Maurice M. Baggs. Trooper Charles Whitney was killed instantly. After completing initial basic training at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, newly hired officers must complete the Probationary Conservation Officer Academy and Field Training Program. A man fatally shot by law enforcement officers this weekend told family members he wanted to die of suicide by cop, the Iowa Department of Public Safety said Sunday in a news release. Those with information are strongly urged to contact Iowa Conservation Officer Aaron Johnson at (712)-249-2015, or through email at aaron.johnson@dnr.iowa.gov. Let us never forget their bravery and that of their loved ones., Bayens called Smith was a friend, brother, son, husband, dad and protector of the innocent.. This photo was taken in summer of 2016. It was just odd.. For a comprehensive list of officers killed in the line of duty throughout Iowa and across the nation, as well as information and statistics on Line of Duty Deaths, please visit the Officer Down Memorial Page. Iowa Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Aaron Johnson says the boat was registered in Oklahoma. Further, the officers found a text message exchange between Rhodes and his wife in which she said she heard a gunshot, and he replied: I just killed him, court records show. Field Office Environmental Services On the night of February 19, 1954, Patrolman Harold DeGear #60 had stopped a Marion man for faulty equipment and was standing behind the violators car issuing a citation. Nowadays we have to plead these things with so many facts and so specific that you set out what we allege occurred, which is a little different than what the law enforcement officers allege, but thats what litigation is for., Its a very, very tragic situation, but in our view it wasnt handled appropriately and thats why we are litigating., Spece recalled the kid yelling that they were going to have to kill him,, That was when he brought his hands down and circled around to face Spece and (Tim) Fisher, Humboldt County sheriffs deputy. A lack of mental health resources continues to be a problem, she said. Air Quality Staff Contact information for the Air Quality Bureau, asbestos, compliance and monitoring, stack testing, emissions inventory, program development, construction and operating permits and general support. Required departmental training. Kim Reynolds. On April 9, 2021, Sergeant Jim Smith was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a subject who had assaulted and disarmed another law enforcement officer during a traffic stop near Grundy Center. Humboldt police officers and Humboldt County sheriff's deputies are shown on scene of an officer-involved shooting Saturday afternoon. Officials have not released that officers name. Forestry Staff The foresters can assist you with all of your forestry needs from private land, public land, urban, fire and forest health. Land Quality Bureau Staff The Land Quality Bureau focuses on the protection of Iowas land and groundwater resources by addressing sites that are contaminated; regulating petroleum underground storage tanks; regulating solid waste management facilities and activities; and assisting with developing and implementing sustainable environmental practices through pollution prevention and financial assistance services. Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center. DNR officer passes away due to COVID-19 Rylan Howe rhowe@nwestiowa.com Jan 9, 2021 Updated Apr 5, 2021 Buy Now Rylan Howe rhowe@nwestiowa.com SPIRIT LAKEIowa Department of Natural Resources enforcement officer Steve Reighard of Spirit Lake has died due to complications from COVID-19. Krystal Wagner, the mother of Shane Jensen, a 19-year-old who was fatally shot by Iowa Department of Natural Resources conservation officer William Spece on Nov. 11, 2017, after firing a gun in . Iowa became an active member of the compact in 2003. Shane Jensen, 19, of Humboldt is pictured here. Krystal Wagner said she is doing her best to accept what has happened. Nieland had spotted the suspect s vehicle when his aircraft suddenly nose-dived into a field near the intersection of I-80 and U.S. Highway 151. f: 515-725-8201 On Sunday, the DCI reported that no further information would be released. State Employee Salary Book. We always felt at a loss and we put it on our backs, but none of us are equipped to handle that.. The department also oversees fisheries, wildlife, parks, forestry, and environmental protection. RO B: THIS IS THE CASE FROM MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND, 20-YEAR-OLD EMMA SUE OLSEN WAS ON A BOAT THAT SANK IN THE MISSOURI RIVER NEAR MODALE. MARION COUNTY, Iowa UPDATE: The Iowa Department of Natural Resources identified the victim of the fatal hunting incident as 37-year-old Nathan Allen Sharpnack of Winterset. Rest in Peace, Sergeant Smithwe have you 6 from here.. HUMBOLDT The mother of a Humboldt man who was shot and killed by a conservation officer has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the state of Iowa and the man who shot her son, according to a complaint filed with the United States District Court Northern District of Iowa Central Division.