The Mount Pleasant Police Department responded to a reported large physical disturbance on Thursday evening in the 900 block of North Grand Avenue. Officers were dispatched to the scene at approximately 6:16 p.m. on May 29 after receiving information about a possible fight involving a firearm.

While en route, officers were informed that the suspect vehicle had left the area. The vehicle was later located and stopped on Mapleleaf Drive. Due to the nature of the report—suggesting a firearm might be involved—officers had all occupants exit the vehicle. One individual was detained and subsequently arrested on an unrelated warrant issued by Des Moines County.

Authorities determined that the incident stemmed from an altercation between a group of juveniles. According to an independent witness, someone was overheard instructing another individual to “get a gun out of the car.” However, after further investigation and a review of video footage showing the altercation, police confirmed that no firearm was involved.

There is no ongoing threat to the public, police emphasized. The investigation remains active, and multiple charges are anticipated as it progresses.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Mount Pleasant Police Department in responding to the incident.

Law enforcement officials remind the public that a criminal charge is merely an accusation and that any defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the Mount Pleasant Police Department by calling 319-385-1450.

Packwood, Iowa (May 29, 2025) – A 17-year-old girl from Packwood, Ia was killed and a Missouri man seriously injured following a head-on collision Thursday morning on Packwood Road, just north of the Jefferson–Van Buren county line.

According to the Iowa State Patrol, Ava Ford, 17, of Packwood, was driving a 2003 Toyota Camry southbound on Packwood Road at approximately 7:35 a.m. when, for unknown reasons, her vehicle crossed the center line and collided head-on with a northbound 1999 Dodge Ram driven by Clinton Weaver, 40, of Lancaster, Missouri.

Ford, who was wearing a seatbelt, died at the scene. Her body was transported by Cranston Funeral Home.

Weaver, also properly restrained, suffered serious injuries and was airlifted by AirCare to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Authorities noted that his seatbelt use likely saved his life.

Both vehicles were heavily damaged and removed from the scene by RPM of Fairfield. No additional vehicles were involved.

The crash remains under investigation by Iowa State Patrol Post 13, with assistance from multiple local and regional agencies.

No further details have been released as authorities continue to examine the circumstances that led to the fatal crash.

Keokuk, Iowa – A West Point man is facing multiple drug-related charges following a traffic stop and subsequent investigation by the Lee County Narcotics Task Force.

William Shane Dempsey, 51, was arrested and charged with several offenses, including:

• Possession with intent to deliver more than 5 grams of methamphetamine, a Class B felony

• Failure to affix a drug tax stamp, a Class D felony

• Possession of marijuana, a serious misdemeanor

• Possession of drug paraphernalia, a simple misdemeanor

The arrest came after the Keokuk Police Department conducted a traffic stop involving Dempsey. As a result of an ongoing investigation by the Lee County Narcotics Task Force, Dempsey was taken into custody at the scene. Authorities impounded his vehicle, which was later searched under a warrant.

Investigators report that the search uncovered evidence suggesting involvement in methamphetamine trafficking.

The Lee County Narcotics Task Force emphasized that Dempsey is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Lee County Narcotics Task Force has announced the arrest of a West Point man following a lengthy investigation into drug trafficking in the Fort Madison area.

Thomas Joe Sebastian, 47, faces a series of felony and misdemeanor charges stemming from the investigation. He has been charged with two counts of Delivery of more than five grams of methamphetamine and one count of Possession with intent to deliver more than five grams of methamphetamine, all Class B felonies.

In addition, Sebastian faces five counts of Iowa drug tax stamp violation and six counts of Possession of a firearm by a felon, each a Class D felony. He is also charged with six counts of Possession of a controlled substance, which are serious misdemeanors, and one count of Possession of drug paraphernalia, a simple misdemeanor.

Authorities executed a search warrant at a residence during the investigation, which led to the discovery of the evidence supporting the charges.

The Lee County Narcotics Task Force was assisted in the operation by the Lee County area Special Response Team (SRT), the Keokuk Police Department, the Keokuk Police Department K-9 Zsolt, the Fort Madison Police Department, and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

The Task Force emphasized that Sebastian is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Lee County Narcotics Task Force receives funding in part from the U.S. Department of Justice, with funds administered by the Iowa Governor’s Office of Drug Control Policy.

The Lee County Narcotics Task Force has announced the arrest of a Keokuk man on felony drug charges following an ongoing investigation.

David Alan Londrie, 62, of Keokuk, has been charged with possession of more than five grams of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, a Class B felony, and a drug tax stamp violation, a Class D felony.

The charges stem from investigative efforts by the Narcotics Task Force and are not directly related to the traffic stop during which Londrie was initially taken into custody. The Keokuk Police Department conducted the traffic stop, during which Londrie was arrested on an outstanding warrant. Subsequent investigation by the Narcotics Task Force led to the additional drug-related charges.

The Lee County Narcotics Task Force was assisted in the case by the Keokuk Police Department.

Authorities remind the public that a criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.