Ames Police Department

10/20/2026

This event is one of our favorite holiday traditions, and we look forward to coming together with our community to make the season a little brighter for local families.

🚨 It’s that time of year again! 🚨

🎄 Shop with a Cop 2026 is officially accepting applications!

🛍️ Event Date: December 5, 2026
📅 Application Deadline: November 20, 2026

📍 Applications are available at:
• Ames Police Department Records Counter
• Boys & Girls Club on South 5th Street
• Email [email protected] to request an application
• Print off an application from: https://www.cityofames.org/My-Government/Departments/Police-Department/Community-Programs-Crime-Prevention

💙 Want to help make the holidays brighter for local kids? Your donations make Shop with a Cop possible!

📬 Mail donations to:
Ames Police Foundation
PO Box 744
Ames, IA 50010

🏢 Donations may also be dropped off at the Ames Police Department.

📱 Donate through Venmo https://account.venmo.com/u/AmesPoliceFoundation_IA

🎅 Let’s come together to make Shop with a Cop 2026 a holiday to remember!

10/20/2026

One year on the job, countless tail wags, and plenty of new friends! Penny, the Ames Police Department's Crisis Canine, is celebrating her first anniversary as a badged officer!

In this episode of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart welcomes back Sergeant Amber Christian and her four-legged partner, Penny, to talk about their first year working together.

From helping people through difficult situations to building connections at community events, Penny has a unique role in serving Ames. She's also making a difference behind the scenes by providing comfort and support to officers and other public safety employees.

We'll learn what a typical day looks like for Penny, how she and Amber have grown as a team, and how community donations help support the Crisis Canine Program.

And yes, we'll find out what Penny does when she's off duty. Apparently, being a good girl is a full-time job!

Listen to Ames in Focus wherever you get your podcasts or at www.CityofAmes.org/Podcast.

Want to support Penny and the Crisis Canine Program? Visit www.AmesAnimalShelter.org and follow the directions to make a donation.

10/19/2026

Mark your calendars, Ames! Halloween fun is coming a little early this year.

Because of the Iowa State home football game, suggested Trick-or-Treat Night hours have been moved to Friday, Oct. 30, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

As little ghosts, goblins, witches, superheroes, and more hit the neighborhoods, the Ames Police Department reminds everyone to help make it a safe night. Stay visible, cross streets carefully, travel together, and drivers should slow down and keep an extra eye out for trick-or-treaters.

Costumes ready.
Candy bowls stocked.
Flashlights charged.

Happy Halloween!

10/17/2026

Check out “A Glimpse Inside,” a free event running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. that offers a unique look inside 11 historic and architecturally significant locations throughout Ames, including City Hall and our Hall of History

10/14/2026

🚜 HARVEST SEASON TRAFFIC SAFETY REMINDER!
Harvest season is here, which means you’ll be seeing more combines, tractors, and other farm equipment traveling around the outskirts of Ames.

🚜 WATCH FOR FARM EQUIPMENT — Large equipment may be slow-moving, wide, and may need extra room to turn. Be patient and give them plenty of space.

👀 KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE ROAD — Stay alert, watch for slow-moving vehicles, and be prepared to slow down.

📵 PUT THE CELL PHONE DOWN — Distracted driving puts everyone at risk. No text or notification is worth a life.

⏳ SLOW DOWN AND BE PATIENT — Only pass when it is safe and legal to do so. A few extra minutes could make all the difference.
Our area farmers are working hard to bring in the harvest. Let’s all do our part to help them get the job done safely and make sure everyone gets home safely.

🌾 SHARE THE ROAD. STAY ALERT. ARRIVE ALIVE! 🚜

10/10/2026

Trick-or-Treat Night in Ames is moving!

Due to the Iowa State home football game on Saturday, the suggested Trick-or-Treat Night in Ames will be Friday, Oct. 30, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

As ghosts, goblins, superheroes, and more head out for treats, remember to:
Trick-or-treat with an adult or responsible person.
Carry a flashlight or wear reflective materials.
Slow down and watch carefully for pedestrians.
Keep sidewalks and porches clear of hazards.
Carry a charged cell phone and never trick-or-treat alone.

Have a safe and happy Halloween, Ames!

10/05/2026

🌎🤝 Universal Oneness Day at Ames PD! 💙

We had some special visitors stop by the department today to celebrate Universal Oneness Day!

It was a great reminder that no matter where we come from, what we look like, or what our backgrounds are, we all share this community—and we’re a whole lot stronger when we look out for one another.

Of course, we also took the opportunity to share a few laughs, a quick sweet treat and prove once again that police departments are about a lot more than patrol cars and paperwork! 🚓😂

Thanks for stopping by and spending some time with us. We’re always happy to open our doors and build connections with the people we serve!

Different backgrounds. One community. One human family. 🌎❤️

10/05/2026

🚨 Let’s Look Out for Each Other, Ames. 🚨

We’re concerned about the number of pedestrians, bicyclists, and scooter riders being struck by vehicles lately. Every crash is a reminder that a few extra seconds of attention can make the difference.

Whether you’re behind the wheel, on two wheels, or walking, we all have a role in keeping our streets safe.

🚗 DRIVERS:
• Slow down and obey the speed limit.
• Put the phone down—distraction can have serious consequences.
• Look twice for pedestrians and cyclists, especially at intersections and crosswalks.
• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
• Give bicyclists and scooters plenty of room when passing.
• Watch for people entering the roadway unexpectedly.
• Be extra alert around schools, parks, neighborhoods, and campus areas.

🚲 CYCLISTS & SCOOTER RIDERS:
• Follow traffic laws and signals.
• Ride predictably and use designated bike lanes when available.
• Use lights and reflective gear when visibility is low.
• Wear a helmet.
• Make eye contact with drivers when possible—never assume they see you.
• Stay alert and avoid distractions.

🚶 PEDESTRIANS:
• Use crosswalks and sidewalks when available.
• Look left, right, and left again before crossing.
• Make eye contact with drivers before stepping into the roadway.
• Stay visible, especially at night or in bad weather.
• Put the phone down while crossing the street.

The road belongs to all of us. Slow down. Pay attention. Look twice. Get where you're going safely.

10/05/2026

UPDATE MEDIA RELEASE: Ames Police Identify Victim in Water

On October 4, 2026, around 1228 pm, officers were dispatched to a vehicle in the water near 4518 Mortensen. Officers and witnesses located a truck in the water with one person inside. The truck later became fully submerged with the person inside the vehicle. Ames Police is currently receiving assistance from the Story County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team, Ames Fire Department, and Mary Greeley Medical Center to recover the vehicle. Names of the people involved are not being released at this time.

UPDATE: The Story County Sheriff's Office Dive Team recovered a 2021 Nissan Titan and the body of 77-year-old Ames resident, Zondai Muyengwa, from the water.

The Ames Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the Ames Police Department at (515) 239-5133 or the anonymous tip line (515) 239-5533. You may also contact Crime Stoppers of Central Iowa at (515) 223-1400. Online anonymous tips may be submitted to www.crimestoppersofcentraliowa.com.

Questions regarding this press release may be directed to Sergeant Amber Christian, Ames Police Department, at (515) 239-5134 or (515) 239-5133.

10/04/2026

Ames Police Investigate Vehicle in Water

On October 4th, 2026 around 1228 pm, officers were dispatched to a vehicle in the water near 4518 Mortensen. Officers and witnesses located a truck in the water with one person inside. The truck later became fully submerged with the person inside the vehicle. Ames Police is currently receiving assistance from the Story County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team, Ames Fire Department, and Mary Greeley Medical Center to recover the vehicle. Names of the people involved are not being released at this time.
The Ames Police Department continues to investigate this incident.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the Ames Police Department at (515) 239-5133 or the anonymous tip line (515) 239-5533. You may also contact Crime Stoppers of Central Iowa at (515) 223-1400. Online anonymous tips may be submitted to www.crimestoppersofcentraliowa.com.

Questions regarding this press release may be directed to Sgt. Ryan Hauge, Ames Police Department, (515) 239-5133.

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