Rensselaer Police Department

05/29/2026

There have been reports circulating on social media regarding law enforcement investigating an incident at Brookside Pool this afternoon concerning inappropriate behavior by an adult. We want to clarify that these reports are not true.

The officer's presence was solely to speak with two juveniles involved in a physical altercation. That matter has been resolved.

05/26/2026

On May 12, 2026, the Rensselaer Police Department received a report regarding a domestic disturbance that occurred on May 4, 2026. The victim reported being at a residence on the 500 block of Harrison Street when she was physically assaulted by 51-year-old Jerry Souders of Rensselaer. She indicated that an argument with Mr. Souders escalated into violence, during which he reportedly punched her multiple times in the face and side, causing her pain. The victim also stated that Mr. Souders prevented her from leaving the room and took her phone to prevent her from calling for help.

A report was submitted to the Prosecutor’s Office, and a warrant was issued for Mr. Souders’ arrest. On May 22, 2026, officers located him at a relative’s residence. He acknowledged that an argument took place but claimed he had no knowledge of how the victim sustained her injuries.

Mr. Souders was transported to Jasper County Jail and charged with criminal confinement causing serious bodily injury (Level 3 felony), domestic battery resulting in serious bodily injury (Level 5 felony), domestic battery with a prior conviction (Level 6 felony), and interference with reporting a crime (misdemeanor).

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

05/26/2026

Informational Post!
Ryan has obtained a permit to solicit within the City of Rensselaer as well!

05/18/2026

Currently, there are several scams circulating, including those claiming to be from Publisher's Clearing House or messages stating that you have outstanding traffic tickets or unpaid tolls. To protect yourself, please avoid sharing personal information or clicking on any links within these messages. If you have any questions regarding the legitimacy of any correspondence you receive, please do not hesitate to contact us, and we will be happy to assist you.

05/12/2026

05/06/2026

This afternoon we received a complaint of a possible home improvement scam which is common during the warmer months. A company was in the area this week soliciting door to door to pave driveways which is a common tactic. The person that reported this to us today had done research after the subjects left and became very skeptical of the company. A phone call to the subjects today by police gave further indications that this is not a legitimate business.

All solicitors within the City limits must apply for a permit to solicit through the Rensselaer Police Department. At this time there are no active permits issued other than the yearly ice cream truck.

If you have anyone come to your home soliciting services and we have not posted a notice to our page, please contact us right away.

05/04/2026

As Clean Up Week begins, we would like to remind everyone that there is a City ordinance prohibiting scavenging through items placed curbside for collection. Past incidents of theft have been reported, and scavenging can lead to items being scattered and impede the efficiency of our waste collection services. Please be advised that repeat violations may result in fines of up to $150.

04/30/2026

On April 11, 2026, shortly after 8:00 a.m., the Rensselaer Police Department received a report regarding graffiti on the announcer’s booth at Columbia Park. An officer responded and observed symbols and words that were racially offensive, spray-painted in black paint. Throughout the day, additional reports were received concerning similar graffiti in various locations across the city, including park sidewalks, downtown buildings, and one of the murals.

An investigation was conducted, and officers identified twenty-three-year-old Kadyn McNamara of Rensselaer as the suspect. Video footage documented Mr. McNamara in the act of vandalism in certain areas and also captured him arriving at and leaving multiple locations where other incidents occurred.

A search warrant was obtained for Mr. McNamara’s residence and vehicle on April 12, 2026. During the search, officers recovered evidence that further linked Mr. McNamara to the incidents. A report was submitted to the Prosecutor’s Office requesting criminal charges.

A warrant was later issued for Mr. McNamara’s arrest. He was located at his home and taken into custody. He was transported to Jasper County Jail on six counts of criminal mischief, all classified as misdemeanors.

As previously noted in an unrelated statement, there has been a rise in vandalism and damage incidents within the City Parks. The City is committed to pursuing criminal charges and seeking restitution for damages in each case.

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

04/22/2026

We encourage those who have not done so to enroll in the Reach Alert system to stay informed about emergency situations. This system was implemented by the city last year and has proven to be highly effective in disseminating information rapidly.

04/20/2026

We have shared this website in previous years. Following the recent storms and power outage this weekend, I would like to repost it as a reminder. Please take proactive steps to prepare for future events before they occur. While this incident could have extended over multiple days, fortunately, it was limited to less than 30 hours.

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