WATERLOO, Iowa (KCRG) – The city of Waterloo has announced the selection of Rob Duncan as the police department’s next chief, pending approval of the city council. Duncan, who is currently a police captain, has been with the department since 1997. “As someone who was born and raised in Waterloo, I feel very humbled and blessed that Mayor Hart has given me the opportunity to be the next Chief of Police for Waterloo,” Duncan said in a news release. “I have an incredible wife and family at home that has supported me throughout my career in law enforcement. We have an outstanding department full of officers and staff that work to serve the community to the best of their ability while suppressing crime. We also have a City Council and Mayor that are very big supporters of public safety, which shows with how well our agency has done these past few years by getting to fully staffed.” Duncan will replace former Chief Joe Leibold, who retired last week after having been with the Waterloo Police Department for 34 years. “Captain Rob Duncan has proven himself to be a dedicated and effective law enforcement leader in our community,” Waterloo Mayor Quentin Hart said. “Serving in the Waterloo Police Department for nearly 30 years uniquely positions him to lead the force as chief. We are excited to be at full staff and look forward to the new chapter in Waterloo’s policing history. We will continue to build bridges while creating an even safer Waterloo.” The city council will discuss approval at its next meeting on July 1.
SPENCER, Iowa (KTIV) – Authorities in Clay County have confirmed a death connected to rising waters in Spencer, Iowa. According to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, on June 22 they received a call for a red Ford attempting to cross rapid flood waters on 240th Avenue. The sole occupant of the vehicle, William Schulze of Elburn, Illinois, was swept away in the flood waters from the Little Sioux River. When emergency personnel arrived they were informed by a witness that a vehicle floated out of sight and disappeared to the east. Deputies with Clay County, Spencer Police and the Iowa DNR used boats to search the area. The truck was found in the treeline and officials determined Schulze was deceased. Recovery efforts were not attempted due to very dangerous situations. Over the next days several recovery attempts were made but it was not until June 24 that officials could extricate and recover Schulze’s body. The Clay County Sheriff’s Office later learned the victim had been reported missing from Illinois days prior.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – With the Cedar River levels expected to crest this week, city officials are taking steps to protect residents from potential flooding. Officials say that the action stage for the Cedar River is 10 feet and that minor flood stage is 12 feet. The river is expected to crest at 13.4 feet on Thursday. With protection measures in place, city officials are not expecting flooding to impact homes or businesses, but some roads are expected to close. Road closure information will be updated on the city’s website. Crews will have staff on standby and 24-hour protection measures set up around the clock.
LINN COUNTY, Iowa (KCRG) – A trial date is set for the man charged with killing four people in rural Linn County earlier this month. 34-year-old Luke Truesdell is charged with four counts of first-degree murder. Police found three people–Romondus Cooper, Keonna Ryan and Amanda Parker–dead in an outbuilding at the 3600 block of East Otter Road in northern Linn County. The fourth victim, Brent Brown was flown to the hospital in critical condition before dying later at the hospital. Investigators said Truesdell admitted beating four people with a metal pipe. A jury trial is set for September 18, 2024.
