Meskwaki Nation Police Department - Iowa

Meskwaki Nation Police Department - Iowa The MNPD is proud to serve the Meskwaki Community in Tama, Iowa. Office: (641) 484-4844

Commendation and Life Saving Awards PresentedOn Monday night, May 18, 2026, Officers Blake Jones and Hunter Clark of the...
07/09/2026

Commendation and Life Saving Awards Presented

On Monday night, May 18, 2026, Officers Blake Jones and Hunter Clark of the Meskwaki Nation Police Department responded to a severe semi-truck fire at the Meskwaki Travel Plaza. Their swift action in waking sleeping drivers and fighting a spreading third blaze successfully saved at least five lives and moved 20 trucks to safety.

The incident began near midnight when the Meskwaki Police Department was dispatched to the Meskwaki Travel Plaza for a semi-truck on fire.

When they arrived, they found two semi-trucks already engulfed, with high winds pushing flames toward other parked trucks. Their swift action included waking sleeping drivers who were in the trucks, assured others’ safety as a third truck caught fire, and continued working alongside other emergency personnel to control the blaze. In all, an estimated 20 semi-trucks were moved to safety, protecting more rows of sleeping occupants from the chaotic blaze and minimizing further property damage.

On July 1, 2026, the Meskwaki Nation and the Meskwaki Nation Police Department presented both Officers Jones and Officer Clark with a Commendation and Life Saving Award for their outstanding initiative, swift decision-making, and decisive lifesaving efforts. By maintaining composure in a high-stress situation, they prevented further tragedy and exemplified the highest standards of duty.

06/29/2026

On May 21, 2026, Officers Jon Keen and Caleb Boyles responded to a disturbance and reported no-contact order violation at a residence on Edgewood Drive. The plaintiff advised the suspect, Francisco Purdue, a non-Native not living on the Settlement, attempted to enter the house multiple times and refused to leave. Upon arrival, officers learned the suspect had fled the area on foot and was hiding in the nearby woods.

Officers established a perimeter and began a coordinated search calling in Aseni, the MNPD’s K9 unit, along with the team’s drone unit led by Sergeant Justin Walden. After ensuring the plaintiff locked herself and her children securely in the home, an extensive search of the wooded area began. Officer Walden located the suspect by drone, hiding in weeds in a field approximately 500 yards from the residence. As Purdue attempted to move farther away, Officer’s Boyles, Keen, K-9 Aseni and K9 handler Officer Logan Ludovissy closed in on foot.

The suspect was safely located and taken into custody in a field near the 3000 block of H Avenue. He was arrested for violation of a no-contact order and interference with official acts.

This incident highlights the effectiveness of teamwork and technology, with drone support and K9 tracking playing a key role in safely locating and bringing in the suspect. Together, they improve search efficiency, increase officer safety, enhance awareness, and help bring incidents like this one to a safe and successful resolution.

Today’s top suspect: our very own K9 Officer Aseni! He was caught red-pawed stealing snacks straight off the staff table...
06/22/2026

Today’s top suspect: our very own K9 Officer Aseni! He was caught red-pawed stealing snacks straight off the staff table.

Don’t worry, we’ve released him on good behavior - but the food theft division is on high alert. We urge the general public to keep a close eye on your sandwiches!

Jokes aside, we are thrilled to share that K9 Aseni is doing great, learning incredibly fast, and making outstanding contributions to our team and community every day!

05/29/2026

UPDATE: Missing Juvenile has been found and reunited with her family.

***Update: She has been found.***MISSING JUVENILELocal law enforcement is seeking assistance from the residents of Tama,...
05/28/2026

***Update: She has been found.***

MISSING JUVENILE

Local law enforcement is seeking assistance from the residents of Tama, Toledo, and Marshalltown in locating Darah Keahna. Darah ran away in the afternoon of May 26, 2026, from Toledo. We have received multiple reports of her being seen in these same communities. Should you see her and / or know her current location please contact the Toledo Police Department or the Meskwaki Nation Police Department. Either agency can be reached by contacting the Tama County Dispatch at 641-484-3760 ext. 9.

Thank You in Advance for Your Assistance!!

05/22/2026

For Immediate Release - On Thursday, May 21st, 2026, at around 6:30 pm, Officers from the Meskwaki Nation Police Department responded to the 100 block of Edgewood Drive for a report of an erratic person violating a no-contact order and trying to get into a residence.

Upon arrival, Officers learned the suspect, identified as Francisco Perdue, had fled the area on foot into the woods. MNPD Officers searched the area with K9 Aseni and drones. Perdue was located by drone approximately 500 yards away from the residence, hiding in the tall grass in a field.

Officers and the K9 began making their way toward Perdue, who attempted to flee from the approaching Officers. The drones followed Perdue through a field for about half a mile toward the 3000 block of H Avenue, where Perdue was caught and arrested by the pursuing Officers and K9. MNPD was assisted by the Tama County Sheriff’s Office.

Perdue has been charged with three counts of Violation of a No Contact Order and one count of Interference with Official Acts.

(A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.)

The Meskwaki Police Department and Meskwaki Health Clinic invite youth (ages 13-18) to apply for a two-week, immersive c...
05/13/2026

The Meskwaki Police Department and Meskwaki Health Clinic invite youth (ages 13-18) to apply for a two-week, immersive career learning academy in San Bernardino, California. This hands-on, team-based learning program offers training in law enforcement, fire, emergency services, judicial, and victim services pathways.

All student costs are covered including airfare, ground transportation, lodging, meals and uniforms.
To learn more, contact Jason at the MNPD by emailing interest to: [email protected].

DEADLINE for submission is May 26, 2026.

See more about the academy: https://www.niyja.com/about -mkpoo39x2

Meskwaki Recreation and Community Center

During National Police Week, I want to recognize the officers of the Meskwaki Nation Police Department and thank them fo...
05/13/2026

During National Police Week, I want to recognize the officers of the Meskwaki Nation Police Department and thank them for the work they do every day.

Since the Meskwaki Nation Police Department began patrolling back in 2006, our officers have worked hard to protect and serve our community. Providing community-oriented policing, assisting in crime prevention, and assisting those in need, we appreciate the work they do. This week is a chance to reflect on the sacrifices made by all law enforcement and to show appreciation for the men and women who wear the badge.

Thank you to our officers and their families, as well as all the officers in our surrounding communities, for your service and commitment. We appreciate all you do for the community!

~ Police Chief Jeffrey Bunn

05/11/2026

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mom’s in the Meskwaki Community. We hope you all had a blessed and relaxing day with family.

Sro Vern Jefferson;Thank you to the local K9s; Tama Police Dept., Meskwaki Nation Police Dept. and the Tama County Sheri...
05/08/2026

Sro Vern Jefferson;
Thank you to the local K9s; Tama Police Dept., Meskwaki Nation Police Dept. and the Tama County Sheriff's Office conducted training at the high school. The high school also practiced their "Shelter in place" drill. #

Address

1632 305th Street
Tama, IA
52339

Telephone

+16414844844

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Meskwaki Nation Police Department - Iowa posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category