MARION, Iowa (KCRG) – An officer was hurt after police say the officer responded to calls of a 43-year-old man trespassing at a home in Marion. Police say they found Beau Kopp armed with a knife and hiding in a bush next to the home. Officers attempted to deescalate the situation, but he refused to comply with their instructions. That’s when they say Kopp stepped out from the bush swinging the knife, and they used “less-lethal” methods to take him into custody. One officer was hurt with a non-life-threatening injury. Kopp is charged with interference with official acts with a weapon, interference with official acts causing bodily injury, and trespass causing injury.
MUSCATINE, Iowa (KWQC/KCRG) – The Muscatine Police Department has identified the victim and suspect in a fatal shooting at a Hy-Vee on Monday. Around 2 p.m., dispatchers got multiple reports of shots fired inside the 2nd Avenue Hy-Vee. When officers arrived, they found 37-year-old Kalista Hallberg of Letts, Iowa, dead with multiple gunshot wounds. Police said the suspected shooter is Ian Hernandez of Davenport. Hernandez fled in a red minivan, which officers found at the intersection of Highway 61 and Highway 38. When officers found the car, they saw Hernandez with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Hernandez was first taken to a local hospital and then taken to the University of Iowa Hospital, officials said. He is in critical condition with life-threatening injuries. Police said the shooting was caused by an ongoing domestic dispute between Hallberg and Hernandez. Police are still investigating. Police are asking the public to avoid the Hy-Vee and surrounding intersections until 7 a.m. on Tuesday. A spokesperson from Hy-Vee said the store will reopen only when the store is customer-ready.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – A former Cedar Rapids resident was sentenced to prison for identity theft. Shango Johnson, 35, of Chicago, entered a plea of guilty to one count of aggravated identity theft. Johnson took a fake check of $9,634 claimed to be drawn from a Chicago law firm’s account, stating it was for a “personal injury final settlement payout.” He deposited the fake check into his bank account in Cedar Rapids. Johnson never received a settlement for a personal injury and tried to use the money before the bank noticed it was fake. The firm previously closed the bank account in 2021 after mail was stolen. Johnson has a criminal history including for assault, forgery, perjury, and theft. He has more than twenty criminal convictions. He was sentenced to 24 months in prison and one year of supervised release.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance has announced a new president and CEO. Juliet Abdel will take on the role after receiving unanimous approval from both the search committee and the Economic Alliance’s Policy Board. Abdel currently works at the Greater Topeka Partnership, where she serves as the president of the Greater Topeka Chamber and senior vice president of the Partnership. Abdel has more than 15 years of experience working in staff and executive leadership. “I am excited and honored to join the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance,” she said. “Cedar Rapids is the second largest city in Iowa with regional partners and unlimited potential. I look forward to working with the board, staff, and stakeholders to proactively engage with businesses of all sizes during a time of notable growth in our community and region.”
