MASON CITY – Police in Mason City rushed to assist an alleged victim of a sex assault, and with the held of a canine officer, nabbed a suspect.
On Wednesday, December 14, 2022, at about 4:30 a.m., Mason City Police were called to 325 1st Street NW on a report of an assault and a person yelling for help. The caller reported that a door had been kicked in and that there was an ongoing assault.
When officers arrived, they were provided with a description of a suspect that had fled the area just prior to their arrival. Officers learned the identity of the suspect and set up a perimeter in an attempt to apprehend him. A short time later, Michael Atkins, Jr., age 39, of Mason City, was taken into custody not far from the location of the call.
Officers completed an investigation at the scene and determined that there was a single victim in the case. Atkins and the victim were known to one another prior to this incident. The Garner Police Department canine unit assisted officers at the scene.
At this time, Atkins is in custody at the Cerro Gordo County Jail. He is being held on the following charges:
– Domestic Abuse Assault Impeding Air/Blood Flow – a class D felony
– Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree – a class B felony
– Kidnapping in the First Degree – a class A felony
– Public Intoxication – a simple misdemeanor
Atkins is pending an initial appearance and further court proceedings. This case has been referred to the Cerro Gordo County Attorney’s Office for criminal prosecution.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Mason City Police Department at 641-421-3636, to speak to the Criminal Investigation Division.
Wonder why the Garner K9 was needed? Don’t we have one anymore? Good job by law enforcement all the way around, though.