May 29, 2018 – Waterloo, Iowa – Returned Safe

At 5:30 am Waterloo police were called to 107 Reed St. regarding an abducted child. The father of the child advised that the biological mother, Sarah Nagy Brown had taken the child without permission, the father also indicated Brown may be under the influence of methamphetamine.

At approximately 10:25 am Brown returned to the residence with the child and AMBER alert was cancelled and the baby appeared to be in good condition. Officer’s don’t believe the AMBER alert played a role in the outcome due to Brown returning on her own and did not have a cell in her possession at any time.

April 16th, 2018 – Clinton County, Iowa – Recovered Safe

Toronto, IA – An AMBER Alert was issued 1:20 am in Clinton Co in response to a non-custodial child abduction in Toronto, IA. The mother Aubrie O’Haver stated that she and the father of the two boys had been grocery shopping. When they returned to her residence, O’Haver was unloading groceries from the vehicle. The non-custodial parent then drove off with the two boys still in the car.

O’Haver indicated that her ex-boyfriend recently had his parental rights terminated and that he had just made statements about harming everyone. Based on this information, the AMBER Alert system was activated.

At 2:52 am, Officers in Moline, IL Police Department located the 2 boys with the non-custodial parent at an apartment complex. Moline recovered the two boys who were taken to the station. Deputies from the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office reunited the children with their mother.

Denison, Iowa – Monday November 20, 2017 – Recovered Safe

Denison Police issued an AMBER alert for 12 year old Beyoncé Carrasco. Carrasco was taken by 13 year old Rodolfo Penaflor, Jr. The Denison Police department says the suspect is described as 5’4 and weighing 110 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. Carrasco described as 5’2 weighing 85 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. Police say the two are in a white 2016 Nissan Sentra, the abduction occurred at 3:30 am. At 1:00 pm The Iowa Department of Public Safety canceled the alert when both were located in Des Moines following a traffic stop. Both children were found to be in good condition.

September 19th, 2017 – Clay County, Iowa – Recovered Safe

Royal, Iowa – at 3:35 pm an Amber Alert was issued for three young girls and the abductor. Law enforcement believed the girls were taken by their biological mother, the investigation revealed the children had previously been removed from her custody and placed in the care of another relative. The girls were abducted from the 4000 block of 180th Avenue in Royal. The abductor is believed to be Danica Noel Arzaga. The girls were found safe after they were dropped off at an address in O’Brien County Iowa, and the Alert was canceled.

January 7th, 2017 – Polk County, Iowa – Recovered Safe

Des Moines, IA – An AMBER alert was issued on Sunday January 7, 2017 when non-custodial mother, Mary Purcell, took her two sons from their legal guardian on December 28, 2016. Taken were Morgan Griffin age 12 and Landon Griffin age 11.

Polk county received information that Mary Purcell would be voluntarily turning herself in at 4:00 pm as well as the children. At 4:48 pm Purcell turned herself into authorities along with the children, both children appeared to be fine but were taken to the hospital for observation. The alert was canceled.

April 28th, 2016 – Washington County, Iowa – Recovered Safe

Washington County, IA – An AMBER alert was issued on Thursday April 28, 2016 after Nikki Lloyd age 17 had not been seen since April 23 2016, when she signed out of a juvenile shelter to attend a function with her sister. Nikki was believed to have arranged for an adult male, whom she knew, to pick her up. The adult male Michael Knuth age 24, a convicted sex offender in which Nikki was his child victim. Information from Knuth’s parole officer was very alarming because it was felt Knuth was unstable enough that he may be capable of killing Nikki.

On August 29, 2016 Washington County advised Nikki Lloyd and Michael Knuth were both located in Tennessee and she was OK, arrangements were made for the return of both to Iowa, and the alert was canceled.

April 29th, 2016 – Waterloo, Iowa – Recovered Safe

Waterloo, IA – An AMBER alert was issued on Friday April 29, 2016 after the reported abduction of Shakiya Kay Baker, age 15, from 1918 Sycamore Street in Waterloo. The suspects were three black males who were possibly armed at the time of the abduction. At 2:29 am on Saturday Waterloo police advised Shakiya had been located and the alert was canceled.

June 10th, 2015 – Urbandale, Iowa – Recovered Deceased

Urbandale, IA – Urbandale police took a call at 8:20 pm from a mother advising that the father, Elvis Habibovic had not returned home with the child Logan Habibovic. Elvis is allowed visitation 6 days a week under supervision and approval of the mother. Elvis is not allowed to take him under his own accord. At 11:00 am Elvis showed up to visit his son and told the mother he was going to take a walk, which is not abnormal, however Elvis never returned. There was a phone call made to Elvis and at that time he advised the mother he would return the child by 8:00 pm. Urbandale police advised they have reason to believe Logan is in danger. Elvis was fired from his job in Ankeny this morning and was suicidal in the past when he was fired from another job. An AMBER alert was issued at 12:49 am.

Urbandale police advised that shortly after issuing the AMBER alert Missouri State Highway Patrol contacted them advising they were investigating a vehicle fire in a conservation area in Harrison county and believe it may be the vehicle from the AMBER alert. The vehicle was occupied by two bodies that were unrecognizable due to the fire, one body was that of a small child. The investigation revealed that the occupants where those of Logan and Elvis Habibovic, the AMBER alert canceled at 5:40 am.

June 1st, 2015 – Jefferson, Iowa – Recovered Safe

Greene County, IA - - On Monday June 1st, 2015 at approximately 2:58 am, an AMBER alert was issued for two children, Rheea Day 2 years old and Reed Day 4 years old. The babysitter, Allison Tucker took the children to Des Moines to look at a dog but did not speak to the children’s mother. The children’s mother reported them missing Sunday night when they did not return. Due to information obtained during the investigation an AMBER alert was issued, authorities said the alert was issued due to the medical condition of one of the children and that they did not have their medication. Tucker was believed to be traveling in a blue 1987 Chevy pickup truck with Iowa plate 734RAS.

The AMBER alert was canceled at 5:25 am after authorities located Tucker and the children at the Fort Des Moines hotel in Des Moines, Ia. The children were in good condition and Tucker was taken into custody on child endangerment charges.

May 28th, 2015 – Clay County, Iowa – Recovered Safe

Clay County, IA - - On Thursday May 28th, 2015 at approximately 9:57 am the local school contacted the Sheriff’s office to report 2 students missing, 16 year old Jamie Panko and 12 year old Bayli Jordan.

Parents were contacted by the Sheriff’s office and didn’t know where they were either. The mother of the female advised her daughter didn’t return home last night and mother was not concerned because they have a good relationship with open communication. The investigation revealed that on the 27th at approximately 3:00 pm after school was out, the male Jamie was out in the parking lot and another female student went and talked to him because she was concerned, he told her he was depressed and that no one liked him. He revealed to her that he had plans of killing himself and another as a joint suicide and the idea of using a garden hose attached to a vehicles exhaust because it wouldn’t hurt. Further information obtained was that at approximately 5:00 pm the two were observed together getting into Jamie’s vehicle and leaving a park. Shortly after that time his phone was shut off and at approximately 9:50 pm her phone was shut off pinging last near Paulina, IA. At 2:22 pm the AMBER Alert was issued and at 3:18 pm Deputies located both kids in Cherokee Co at Martins Access, Both were found to be in good condition.

March 7th, 2015 – Johnson County, Iowa – Recovered Safe

Coralville, IA – Shortly before 5:00 am Saturday, March 7, 2015 9 year old Brianna Crane was taken by her step-father, Kenneth Eugene Johns after a domestic dispute with his ex-wife.

Johns had valid warrants for his arrest and was considered armed and dangerous, and has made homicidal/suicidal threats and statements the he will not go back to prison and will go out “like a soldier” and take police with him. Johns was believed to be armed with a handgun.

At 2:10 pm an AMBER alert was issued requesting the public’s assistance in locating the young girl. Johns had been in contact with his son throughout the day and eventually agreed to turn Crane over to his son in West Branch, IA. An unknown female was going to meet Johns and his son in the McDonalds parking lot and turn Crane over to him. Several plain clothes officers and unmarked units were in the area awaiting the exchange. Crane walked to the safe vehicle and a deputy took her into custody, advising she was unhurt and in good condition.

Johns was taken into custody and charged with second-degree kidnapping, dominion/control of a firearm by a felon and carrying weapons.

July 9th, 2014 – Blackhawk County, Iowa – Recovered Safe

Blackhawk County, Iowa – On Wednesday, July 9, 2014 at approximately 10:29 pm, an Amber alert was issued after the reported abduction of three juveniles.

The suspect, Shaun Hogan, was wanted for questioning regarding a homicide investigation for Crystal Gaffney, the children’s mother. It is believed that the children are with Hogan at this time.

At 11:22 pm the Amber alert was canceled. The children were located and safe.

July 12, 2013 – Shellsburg, Iowa – Recovered Safe

Shellsburg, IA -- On Friday, July 12, 2013, 11 year old Kiley Seane Shannon was reported missing to the Shellsburg Police Deparment in Benton County.

At approximately 10:15 PM, an AMBER Alert was issued requesting the public's assistance in locationg the young girl. Law enforcement had reason to believe Kiley was taken by her non-custodial father, 37 year old Sean Shannon. The pair were reportedly traveling in a 1998, 4-door, green Chrysler Cirrus with IOWA license plate number 452 WWY.

Just one hour after the AMBER Alert was issued, Cedar Rapids police officer spotted the Chrysler at 42nd Street NE and Center Point Road NE in their city.

Kiley Shannon was returned safely to her home. Mr. Shannon was later charged with 3rd Degree Kidnapping.

June 4, 2013 – Monona County, Iowa – Recovered Safe

Monona County, IA -- On Tuesday, June 4, 2013, at approximately 6:35 PM, an AMBER Alert was activated after the reported abduction of two juveniles.

The custodians of 4-year old Parker Labrie and 1-month old Lawson Gualazzi, reported that the two boys had been taken by their biological mother, 30 year old Cari Ann Eich. Family indicated that Eich had a history of drug abuse and they were concerned for the safety of the children. Through the AMBER Alert, citizens were asked to look for Eich traveling in a blue, 2002 Chevy Silverado pickup with license plate number 072HMO.

The AMBER Alert was cancelled at 9:01 PM. The children were quickly returned to their custodians unharmed and Ms.Eich was charged with Child Endangerment Not Resulting in Injury.

February 16, 2012 – Des Moines, Iowa – Recovered Safe

Des Moines, IA -- On Thursday, February 16, 2012 an AMBER Alert was issued for three year old Nicholas Jimmerson.

On Wednesday, February 15, 2012 Des Moines Police received a report from both the Department of Human Services and Jimmerson’s custodial guardian, indicating the child was not returned after a visit with 25 year old Amber Johnson, a friend of Jimmerson’s mother. Based on the fact that Jimmerson’s mother, 22 year old Melanie Stout, was an escapee from the Women’s Correctional Facility and several other factors, Des Moines Police Department requested an AMBER Alert.

At approximately 3:16 AM the AMBER Alert was approved and notifications were sent to the public. Law enforcement sought assistance in finding Nicholas Jimmerson and suspected abductors Amber Johnson and Melanie Stout

At approximately 5:00 AM on February 16, 2012 Broadlawns Medical Center notified police dispatch of a patient seeking treatment in the Emergency Room who fit the description of Johnson. Officers did locate Johnson at Broadlawns. She provided information that lead officers to locate Jimmerson in good condition in Des Moines.

Nicholas Jimmerson was safely recovered and released to the custody of the Department of Human Services.

June 4, 2011 – Greene, Iowa – Recovered Safe

Greene, Iowa -- Late Saturday June 4, 2011 the Butler County Sheriff’s Office was called to a home in Greene, Iowa on report of a stabbing. Upon arrival, Deputies found the female resident deceased. The initial investigation indicated the attacker was likely 34 year old Thomas Petersen. Additionally, Petersen and his 2 year old child, Jacob Petersen, were missing.

At 12:47 AM, Sunday, June 5, 2011 an AMBER Alert was issued for Jacob Petersen.

Through the course of the investigation, Thomas Petersen was tracked to South Dakota, where local authorities attempted to make contact. At roughly 8:00 AM, Petersen struck two law enforcement vehicles with his pickup, before officers deployed a TAZER to disable Petersen and taking him into custody.

Jacob Petersen was recovered safely by South Dakota authorities and transported back to Iowa.

February 19, 2011 – Essex, Iowa – Recovered Safe

Essex, IOWA --- At approximately 3:30 p.m., on Saturday, February 19, 2011, 17 year old Betsy Luna’s foster family reported Luna missing to local law enforcement.  Initial investigative efforts indicated that Betsy Luna may have been abducted by her uncle, and that Luna may be in immediate physical danger.  Based upon this information, request for an AMBER Alert was submitted to the Iowa State Patrol.  All criteria for an AMBER Alert were met and the Alert was issued to the public at 7:49 p.m.

Nearly an hour into the AMBER Alert, Luna’s uncle voluntarily made contact with local law enforcement in Lenox, Iowa claiming he never had contact with Luna.

Additionally, county and city law enforcement made contact with Luna’s purported boyfriend, 19 year old Fidel Ramos in Red Oak, Iowa.  At approximately 9:23 p.m., law enforcement searched the home of Ramos and found Betsy Luna, safe, hiding in the residence.  Both individuals were taken in for questioning.

The AMBER Alert was cancelled at 9:35 p.m.

February 22, 2010 – Pottawattamie County, Iowa – Recovered Safe

Pottawattamie County, Iowa --- The Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office called the Iowa State Patrol on February 22, 2010 to request activation of the Iowa AMBER Alert System for 14 year old Janakaye Marie Lee. Lee was reportedly with her 19 year old boyfriend Steven Hecker. Hecker had outstanding arrest warrants in Illinois and Iowa for sexual abuse and had left behind a suicide note before absconding with Lee. Law enforcement believed Hecker was traveling in a two door, black, 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse. The AMBER Alert was issued at 1:39 PM on February 22nd.

As the investigation evolved, law enforcement discovered that Lee and Hecker were no longer in Iowa. Extended family in Illinois had contact with the pair and indicated they were not threatening harm to themselves or each other, but intended to run away. At approximately 7:10 PM, February 22, 2010, the AMBER Alert was cancelled and the case was reclassified as a Missing Juvenile incident.

On February 28, 2010, both Hecker and Lee were safely located and taken into custody by Illinois law enforcement.

January 5, 2009 – Lucas, Iowa – Recovered Unharmed

Lucas, IOWA--- The Iowa State Patrol issued an AMBER Alert at 1:10 PM on Monday, January 05, 2009, when 17 year old Aziza Tambrianna Wirth was observed being taken from a residence in Lucas, Iowa by 20 year old Joseph Vivone. Law enforcement, media and the public were asked to be on the lookout for a blue 1990 Ford Taurus, possibly headed for Galt, Missouri.

After becoming aware of the AMBER Alert through the media, Vivone and Wirth went to the Lucas County Courthouse where Vivone was taken into custody. Vivone was arrested on a domestic assault warrant stemming from an incident on December 31, 2008, where he is accused of assaulting Wirth. Aziza Wirth, who was nine months pregnant at the time, appeared to be unharmed when she made contact with the Lucas County Sheriff’s office.

The AMBER Alert was cancelled at 1:27 PM.

September 25, 2007 - Montgomery County, Iowa - Recovered Safe

An AMBER Alert was issued on Tuesday, September 25, 2007, when the mother of 1 year-old Brandon A. Austin reported to Mongomery County Officials that the non-custodial father, Ricky Jason Ewart, 27 year-old white male, removed the child by force from the mother's residence in Red Oak, Iowa. An AMBER Alert was issued at 2:18 a.m.

Brandon A. Austin - 1 year-old was recovered by Law Enforcement Officials and the suspect Ricky Jason Ewart is in the custody of the Montgomery County Sheriff's Department. The AMBER Alert was cancelled at 2:36 a.m.

August 13, 2007 - Pottawattamie County, Iowa - Recovered Unharmed

An AMBER Alert was issued on Monday, August 13, 2007, when the father of 8 year-old Rae Ann Meyer and 10 year-old Cameron A. Meyer reported to Pottawattamie County Officials that his children had reportedly been abducted by their non-custodial, biological mother and her boyfriend. An AMBER Alert was issued at 11:53 p.m., as the mother's boyfriend has physically assaulted Cameron A. Meyer in the past.

Rae Ann Meyer - 8 years old and Cameron Meyer - 10 years old were recovered unharmed by Law Enforcement Officials in the State of Maine earlier this evening (August 14, 2007). The suspects Brandi Harris and Vincent Hatch are in custody.

June 18, 2006 - Le Mars, IA - Recovered Safe

An AMBER Alert was issued on Sunday, June 18, 2006, when two girls from Le Mars, IA left their home in what appeared to be a runaway situation. It was determined the girls were in the company of a man who had just been released on bond for a sexual abuse and had 3 Felony warrants for his arrest. An alert Sheriff's Deputy spotted the car near Sioux City, IA where the suspect was taken into custody. Both girls were in the vehicle and appeared to be unharmed.

October 9, 2005 Davenport, IA - Recovered Safe

The Davenport, IA Police Department requested an AMBER Alert be issued when 1 year old Arisbeth Alexandra Tapia Martinez was abducted from 412 N. Myrtle Street, Davenport, IA by Juan Tapia. Tapia is known to be armed and dangerous. The child was located.

October 7, 2005 - Ottumwa, IA - Recovered Safe

The Ottumwa, IA, Police Department requested an AMBER Alert be issued when 9 year old Gloria Bonilla Lopez was abducted between 8:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. from the Ottumwa Elementary School located at 209 West 6th Street, Ottumwa, IA, by a non-relative. Child and suspect were located on 10/07/2005 in Van Buren County, IA.

April 22, 2005 Iowa City , IA

The Iowa City, IA Police Department requested an AMBER Alert be issued when 3 year old Colin Flynn was reported missing from his mothers' home. Colin had gone to Coral Ridge Mall with Joshua Moore, the boyfriend of his mother, the previous day. It was determined the boy was in danger and the County Attorney issued an Arrest Warrant for 3rd Degree Kidnapping. Less than one hour after the AMBER Alert was issued, a citizen heard the alert and called into Iowa City PD. The child was found unharmed and was returned to his mother.

March 24, 2005 Cedar Rapids, IA

Jetseta Gage, age 10, was abducted from her mothers’ home in Cedar Rapids by a family acquaintance. Subsequent investigation by the Cedar Rapids Police Department determined Jetseta Gage was in danger, resulting in an AMBER Alert being issued. As a result of the AMBER Alert, a citizen contacted the Johnson County Sheriff with information that lead police to the abductor who was located at an abandoned mobile home in rural Johnson County. A subsequent search of the trailer resulted in the discovery of Jetseta Gages' body. Roger Bentley is currently serving a life sentence for the kidnapping and murder of Jetseta.

March 19, 2005 Bettendorf, IA

Bettendorf Police Department requested an AMBER Alert issued at 11:20 PM. on 03/19/2005. Child: Arnold, Nicholas Austin, DOB/1999-0106, was abducted by a non-relative. Child and suspect were located at 12:30 AM. on 03/20/2005 in Rock Island, IL.

July 18, 2004 Ottumwa, Iowa

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office requested an AMBER Alert be issued when 2 year old Wyatt Michael Peters was abducted from the mother's residence by his non-custodial father, Scott David Peters. Scott Peters assaulted the child's mother before he, and his mother, Donna Peters, took the child from the mother's residence and left. The child was believed to be in danger. The AMBER Alert was cancelled when the suspect and child were located in Ottumwa, Iowa.

December 10, 2003 Spencer, Iowa

Spencer Police Department requested an AMBER Alert be issued when Keith and Samantha Pardue abducted their three children, Starla, age 12, Ryan, age 10, and Skyla, age 6, from their grandparent's home (a court order stating that the children were in imminent danger was on file). Temperatures were below freezing and the children were taken with no coats, shoes or socks. The parents and children were located in Georgia - the children were returned to the custodial grandparents.

September 22, 2003 Glenwood, Iowa

Tucker Franklin Hecht was reported to be abducted from Glenwood, Iowa by his mother. An AMBER Alert was requested due to circumstances which led the law enforcement agency to believe that the child was in danger. The child and his mother were found in Bloomington, Minnesota, safe and well.

September 21, 2003 Northwood, Iowa

Steven L. Pennington was in the custody of his grandparents when he was abducted by his non-custodial parents from Fallgatters Grocery Store in Northwood, Iowa. The child was believed to be in danger. The child was located in Mason City, Iowa and returned to the custody of the grandparents.

August 5, 2003 Des Moines, Iowa

Iowa's first AMBER Alert was issued August 5, 2003 from Des Moines, Iowa. The mother of six month old Hessona Bolen reported that he was abducted from 1606 Washington Street, Des Moines, Iowa at 1:50 pm. by Hesson Mock. The mother stated that the child was in danger. The child was safely located at a relative's home.

12/11/2002 8:16 am ne AMBER Alert - Recovered Safe

On December 11, 2002 at 8:16 am the state of Nebraska issued their first AMBER Alert regarding 9 month old Brodjinique Dunn. A white Jeep Cherokee with Nebraska plates was stolen from a gas station in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The theft occurred when the driver, Brodjinique's grandmother, went to pay for gas. In the back seat of the vehicle was the victim, a 9 month old baby in a car seat. The state of Nebraska issued their first AMBER Alert since the mother, an Omaha resident, had driven across the state line to buy gas at a Council Bluffs gas station.

Since Iowa's Amber Alert was not yet in place, members of the Iowa Department of Public Safety partnered with authorities in Nebraska to notify Iowa Broadcasters of the Nebraska Amber Alert .

Word was received that the vehicle had been abandoned in an alley in Omaha, Nebraska. The child was found unhurt in the back of the vehicle just before 11 am. It was unknown whether the individual who stole the vehicle was influenced by the AMBER Alert, but authorities said it helped.

Commissioner Techau of the Iowa Department of Public Safety states "the fact that authorities in both Nebraska and Iowa worked together shows when citizens and law enforcement join forces we produce positive results.”