CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – The Cedar Rapids Police Department has released 2025 crime statistics through August, with the report showing improvements across most major categories. Police say there was a continued decrease in the number of vehicles stolen and the number of thefts from vehicles. According to the release, the number of thefts from vehicles has fallen by 23 percent over the five-year average, while the number of vehicles stolen has decreased by 39 percent over that same period. Shots fired incidents are also down this year, according to police, with 26 reported cases. That’s a 24 percent decrease compared to last year and a 65 percent reduction over the five-year average. The Cedar Rapids Police Department credits witness statements regarding acts of violence or reports of potential issues before shots are fired. The department is also encouraging people to monitor home security by keeping doors locked and windows closed. If you witness crime in your neighborhood, call 911 or the non-emergency number at 319-286-5491.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Firefighters responded to a back deck fire that caused significant damage in Cedar Rapids on Wednesday. At approximately 1:54 p.m. Wednesday, fire crews responded to a report of a back deck on fire at a house in the 2200 block of Haven Court SW. Upon arrival, smoke was visible from the back deck and porch. Authorities say the fire was brought under control but caused significant damage to the deck and exterior of the porch. A resident was alerted to the fire by a bystander and safely got out before fire crews arrived. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation. No other information is known at this time.
DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) – It’s only September, but organizers already announced the theme for next year’s Iowa State Fair. Some people are already counting down the days until next year’s Iowa State Fair. It’s a tribute to America’s 250th birthday. The theme is “Fair Spirit”. It’s a reference to the 1976 fair titled “The Spirit of Iowa ’76.” That fair celebrated America’s 200th anniversary. Next year’s fair will highlight our heritage, honor earlier generations, and dream of future innovations. The 2026 Iowa State Fair begins on August 13 and goes through August 23.
JASPER COUNTY, Iowa (KCRG) – An Iowa inmate died just hours after being taken into custody Monday. At approximately 12:10 a.m. Tuesday, the Jasper County Jail requested medical care for an inmate who was unresponsive. According to the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, the inmate was later pronounced dead. The inmate is identified as 31-year-old Merissa Hogan of Algona. Hogan was booked into the jail Monday around 6:20 p.m. after being charged of operating while intoxicated (OWI). No foul play is suspected in this incident. More information is expected to be released following an autopsy, toxicology report, and completion of an investigation by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
