ESTHERVILLE – A series of strange, loud explosions in Estherville is being investigated by police and state officials.
Police in Estherville say that over the last several weeks, Estherville residents have been hearing and reporting to police extremely loud noises. They have been described by callers as explosions, very loud gunshots, fireworks, cannon blasts and booms. Police have been in the neighborhoods attempting to identify the source of the noise, but have not been able to find anything, that is, until recently.
Most recently, officers received a call from a citizen that he had captured an explosion on his trail camera. The video shows a vehicle driving around a neighborhood and dropping or throwing something out the window. The device is seen glowing in the street/yard and then explodes in a shower of sparks. That video is being analyzed at this time.
Today, December 14th, 2017 at 4:24 A.M., another explosion was reported by a citizen at in the 400 Block of North 14th Street. The caller reported seeing a flash of light with the explosion. Officers responded to the scene and located part of the device that did not detonate. The evidence was collected and is being forensically examined at this time. After consulting with the Iowa State Fire Marshal’s Office, and an initial examination of the device, it was determined to be a large firework display that had been wrapped in tape and ignited.
The Estherville Police Department is seeking the assistance of the public in locating the suspects in these events. If you have a family member or friend that may be involved in this activity, have any information on the early morning explosion today, or have any information on the prior explosions, please notify the Estherville Police Department at 712-362-3515.
The State of Iowa made certain Fireworks legal to use during certain times of the year. The City of Estherville maintains a ban on discharging Fireworks in the city limits without obtaining a permit.
The Estherville Police Department is being assisted by the Iowa State Fire Marshal’s Office, The Estherville Fire Department and the amazing citizens of Estherville that have reported these events and helped provide information to the investigating officers.
