MASON CITY – This feisty little prowler of Mason City’s Central Park was itching for confrontations, delivering blows to faces, and allegedly tried to kidnap a pooch from a late night stroller, only to flee and then engage in a furious brawl with our brave law enforcement.
NIT found out today that on May 7, 2025, at 4:34 PM, trouble percolated in Mason City’s Central Park. A person reported to police that a male had just assaulted the reporting party in Central Park. The reporting party said they were talking back and forth and then allegedly the suspect punched and/or slapped the victim in the face, causing a bloody nose. The alleged victim also reported the same suspect had tried to steal his bike earlier but was unsuccessful. Officers spoke to both parties initially but got two different stories of what happened. The suspect left while officers began canvassing for other witnesses and evidence to corroborate or disprove what each person claimed. Some of the witnesses and evidence were not immediately available during the initial investigation to develop probable cause, police explained. The case remained open while being investigated by officers.
That same evening in Central Park at 10:52 PM, a witness reported two men were fighting. Officers arrived and found one man bleeding from the face. The second male left on a bicycle. Some officers went after the man that left on the bicycle, while others tended to the injured male in the park. The injured male reported he was walking his dog, carrying a flashlight, near Central Park when the suspect assaulted him, stole his flashlight, and attempted to steal his dog.
Officers stopped the other male (matching suspect description) nearby at 1st and N. Madison Avenue. This male suspect, identified as 28-year-old BJ Sahle, address unknown, was now on foot. Sahle allegedly would not stop for the officer and was holding a medium-sized, cylindrical flashlight (that also matched the victim’s description of stolen flashlight). The officer tried to detain Sahle, who allegedly resisted these efforts and attempted to flee while holding the flashlight. More officers responded to assist the officer who was now struggling with Sahle on the ground, attempting to arrest him. During this process, Sahle allegedly tried to grab the officer’s gun (while in gun holster). He kicked at multiple officers, and stomped on one officer’s foot while officers were trying to search Sahle and escort him to the car. A Cerro Gordo Sheriff’s Deputy and Iowa State Trooper also responded and assisted. The Mason City Fire Department staff also responded to provide medical aid.
As a result of the incidents, Sahle was charged with the following crimes:
– 719.1(1)(c) – Interfere w/ Official Acts, Bodily Injury Result
– 708.3A(4) – Assault on Persons in Certain Occup, No Injury
– 708.2(2) – Assault Causing Bod Inj or Mental Illness, No Intent
– 708.13(2) – Disarm/Attempt to Disarm Officer — Not discharged
– 711.2 – Robbery 1st Degree
Sahle was booked into the Cerro Gordo county jail on May 8 at 12:25 AM and held on bond. He has been appointed a public defender and now awaits a preliminary hearing set for May 16.
Sahle has at least two prior run-ins with Mason City police; both appear to involve alcohaol. He ended up guilty in both instances and still owes Iowa courts $361.50 and
$232.50.