UPDATE: MCPD investigating burglary, says city-wide alert was sent in error
(ABC 6 News) – Investigators said they made no arrests while responding to an active burglary call in Mason City on Monday, and that they are working to identify the suspect.
In a statement sent around 8:40 a.m. Monday, Mason City Police Chief Jeff Brinkley said officers were on the scene of ‘an active burglary investigation’ on 4th Street SE between Virginia Ave. and Vermont Ave.
Brinkley later confirmed that a burglary had occurred, and the suspect was viewed on an in-home security leaving the scene before responding officers arrived.
MCPD officers at the scene confirmed that they were assisted by North Central Iowa SWAT Task Force, the Iowa State Patrol and Garner Police Department K-9 units. Cerro Gordo County and Mitchell County Sheriff’s Department vehicles were also on scene.
The department sent out an electronic alert for residents in the vicinity to shelter in place, which was later lifted.
The officers on scene told ABC 6 News that there was a danger of firearms in the residence from where the call originated, that no arrests were made, and that the investigation remains ongoing.
A later update from the department clarified that “…initial reports of the burglary investigation indicated that the suspect was still present inside the residence. Based on the information available to officers at the time, there was a belief that the suspect was likely armed with a firearm. The area was secured by additional law enforcement personnel to contain the suspect and limit any risk to public safety.”
Additionally, the Mason City Police Department says a system error caused the alert to be sent to all phones in Mason City, registered with Alert Iowa.
MCPD clarified this was in error and the impacted area was confined to the 4th Street SE between Virginia Ave. and Vermont Ave. area.
ABC 6 News will continue to following this breaking news story and provide updates as they are available.