Mason City residents were alerted to an “active burglary†Monday (06.17) morning, but, while the situation was quickly resolved, the suspect is still at large.
Mason City Police say initial reports indicated the suspect was still inside the residence in the 800 block of 4th Street Southeast and there was a belief that the suspect was likely armed with a firearm. The area was secured by additional law enforcement personnel to contain the suspect and limit any risk to public safety.Â
An initial Alert Iowa message went out at the time to the entire city in error, but a follow-up message a short time later then limited the area in the vicinity of the residence in question.Â
Chief Jeff Brinkley said in a statement, “We apologize for the concern, inconvenience, and disruption caused by the error.â€Â
MCPD Officers were able to get the homeowner to the scene and verified a burglary had occurred, but the suspect had left the scene prior to the arrival of law enforcement. The residence was searched and secured and officers are working on identifying the suspect.Â
The Iowa State Patrol, Garner Police and the North Central Iowa Narcotics Task Force Special Operations Group (SOG) also assisted at the scene.
Anyone with information is asked to call MCPD at 641-421-3636. Tips can also be called into Crime Stoppers of North Central Iowa.Â
