MASON CITY – Mason City police continued to investigate a shooting incident that happened Tuesday afternoon that put schools on alarm, and today raided a house, recovered stolen shotguns, and made an arrest.
On Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at 12:49 p.m., the Mason City Police Department responded to multiple calls of shots fired in the area around East State Street and Ohio Avenue. Police say no one was injured during the shooting, and a preliminary investigation into that incident has been completed, police said today.
A search warrant was served at the residence at 19 N Ohio Avenue. Records show this house is owned by TDK REAL ESTATE, LLC, which is registered to Kirk Kirkegaard of Indianola, Iowa. During that search, officers seized several evidentiary items. Among them were two stolen shotguns taken during a burglary in a bordering county.
During the initial response and investigation, Casey Cole, age 20, of Mason City, was arrested and charged with Interference with Official Acts – a simple misdemeanor. No other charges have been filed at this time. Cole posted bond and was released from jail. He is due in court on the afternoon of September 18, 2023.
MCPD was assisted at the scene by the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa State Patrol, the NCINTF Special Operations Group, the Mason City Fire Department, and the City of Mason City Neighborhood Services Division. Following an inspection, the occupancy permit for the residence was revoked due to the living conditions and dilapidation of the property.
MCPD offered a special thanks to the Mason City Community School District administration and staff who quickly developed a plan focused on student safety at the time that school was dismissed for the day. Realizing available law enforcement resources were committed to police operations, school officials committed to having teachers and employees work traffic barricades on East State Street.
“Our shared goal was to make sure no students were in danger as they left school. Thanks to MCCSD for their communication and partnership,” police said.
This incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information about the investigation should contact MCPD by calling 641-421-3636.
