WATERLOO, Iowa (KCRG) – Officials have identified the man who died in a fire in Waterloo last Friday. Fire crews responded to a house fire in the 300 block of East 2nd Street just before 7 a.m. As crews worked to extinguish the fire, they found a victim, later identified as 60-year-old Tony Grider. He was taken to a hospital, where he later died. Police arrested 59-year-old John Spooner in connection with the fire. Officers said Spooner was found in the area of the house fire, and admitted to several facts in the case. Witnesses also reportedly identified Spooner as being near the house just before the fire. Spooner faces a charge of first degree arson.
WATERLOO, Iowa (KCRG) – Waterloo police said they’re investigating after a man died from a gunshot wound on Sunday night. Officers said they responded to the 1000 block of West 5th Street for a report of a shooting. At that location, police said they found a man who had been shot. They administered first aid until the victim could be taken to MercyOne hospital. The victim was later pronounced dead. Police are asking that anyone with information regarding the shooting contact the Waterloo Police Department at 319-291-4340, or Cedar Valley Crime Stoppers at 855-300-TIPS (8477).
WATERLOO, Iowa (KCRG) – On August 21st, 2022 at approximately 3:50 pm, police were dispatched to the area of Cutler Street & Dawson Street for a report of shots fired. Responders on scene located 23-year-old Mario Ronfico Smith on foot with two firearms. An on-scene investigation located over 30 spent shell casings in the area and one residence struck. A victim was later found to have been hit with a non-life threatening gunshot wound. Smith was charged with possession of firearm by felon, intimidation with a dangerous weapon, and willful injury.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – The Linn County Attorney’s Office has concluded an officer-involved shooting last month was justified and criminal charges against the officers are not warranted. The conclusion comes after an investigation into the July 30 incident in which two Cedar Rapids police officers shot 23-year-old Brandon Nelson, of Cedar Rapids. Officers tried to pull over Nelson, who they said had been driving erratically. That’s when the officers said Nelson pulled out a firearm, and the three exchanged gunfire. Investigators said Cedar Rapids Police Officers Blair Klostermann and Matt Jenatscheck shot Nelson at least three times, leaving him with wounds to his left lower abdomen, his left chest and left tibia. Nelson survived the shooting. The investigation included all police narratives and reports from the case, along with squad car and body camera footage from the officers. County Attorney Nick Maybanks said he concluded the shooting was justified and criminal charges are not warranted.
