Centerville Police Department

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Centerville Police Department

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10/09/2026

Press Release
Contact: Mike Moore
Phone: 641-437-7100 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, October 8, 2026

A CENTERVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Centerville, Iowa
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 8, 2026

CENTERVILLE, IOWA – The Centerville Police Department announces the conclusion of a narcotics investigation that began in September 2026 and resulted in the ex*****on of two search warrants and the arrest of two individuals on multiple drug-related charges.
On Thursday, October 8, 2026, officers with the Centerville Police Department executed search warrants at two residences located at 543 N. 12th Street and 1520 S. 15th Street in Centerville, Iowa. The search warrants were the result of an investigation into suspected illegal narcotics activity within the community.
As a result of the investigation, Melvin Leroy Collis Sr. was arrested and charged with the following offenses:
• Two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver (Methamphetamine), Class B Felonies
• Two counts of Failure to Affix a Drug Tax Stamp, Class D Felonies
• Possession of a Controlled Substance (Ma*****na), Third or Subsequent Offense, Class D Felony
• Keeping Premises or Vehicle for Controlled Substance, Aggravated Misdemeanor
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Simple Misdemeanor

Jennifer Irene Dhamers was also arrested and charged with the following offenses:
• Possession of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine), Serious Misdemeanor
• Possession of a Controlled Substance (Ma*****na), Serious Misdemeanor
• Possession of Prescription Drugs Without a Valid Prescription, Serious Misdemeanor
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Simple Misdemeanor
Additional criminal charges involving other individuals are pending as the investigation continues.
The Centerville Police Department was assisted during this investigation and the ex*****on of the search warrants by the Appanoose County Sheriff's Office, the Iowa Department of Public Safety, and the Appanoose County Attorney's Office.
The Centerville Police Department remains committed to investigating illegal narcotics activity and addressing drug-related criminal offenses within our community. The department appreciates the cooperation and assistance of its law enforcement partners and the Appanoose County Attorney's Office in bringing this investigation to a successful conclusion.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

09/30/2026

Press Release
Contact: Mike Moore
Phone: 641-437-7100 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, September 30, 2026

On Wednesday, September 30th, 2026, at approximately 1:04 a.m. the Centerville Police Department responded to the report of a shooting in the 800 block of W. Maple Street.
Upon arrival, the responding officers located a male subject, lying outside a residence, with an apparent gunshot wound to the abdomen.

Officers immediately started emergency medical assistance until Centerville Fire Rescue and Centerville Fire Department arrived on scene. The male subject was transported to MercyOne Centerville and later transferred to a Des Moines area hospital.

The scene was secured and an investigation was initiated. During the investigation, several suspects and witnesses were identified and interviewed. As a result of the investigation, two subjects were arrested in connection to the shooting.

Harley James Pierce, 32 years old, of Centerville, was arrested and charged with two counts of Attempted Murder, a class B felony, Willful Injury Causing Serious Injury, a class C felony, and Possession of a Fi***rm by a Felon, a class D felony. During the investigation, it was learned that Pierce also attempted to intentionally run over another male subject with a motor vehicle.

Eric Ray Teater, 45 years old, of Moulton, was charged with Accessory After the Fact, an aggravated misdemeanor. It is alleged that Teater was aware of the shooting and helped Pierce flee the scene.

Agencies assisting the Centerville Police Department with this investigation included the Appanoose County Sheriff’s Office, Centerville Fire Rescue, Centerville Fire Department and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

09/29/2026

COMMUNITY INFORMATION REGARDING ONGOING CALLS FOR SERVICE

The Centerville Police Department is aware of community concerns regarding an individual who is frequently seen walking throughout the community and, at times, yelling or being disruptive.

We understand that this behavior can be frustrating and concerning to residents and business owners. We also want the community to understand that law enforcement officers must operate within the authority provided to us by Iowa law and the Centerville City Code.

Simply receiving a report of someone yelling does not automatically give officers the legal authority to arrest, cite, or remove that person. Officers must be able to establish the elements of a specific violation based upon the circumstances of each incident. Relevant provisions may include Iowa’s disorderly conduct law and Centerville’s ordinance prohibiting disturbing the peace.

Our officers have responded to numerous calls involving this individual. We have repeatedly offered assistance and attempted to connect the individual with available resources and services. Those resources cannot always be forced upon someone who does not wish to accept them.

We do need assistance from property and business owners. If this individual enters or remains on your private property and you do not want them there, please contact the Centerville Police Department and clearly advise officers that you want the individual removed and, when legally appropriate, notified that they are not permitted to return to your property. Your cooperation and willingness to provide a statement when necessary can be important in establishing a violation and allowing officers to take appropriate enforcement action.

If you witness conduct that you believe is threatening, violent, destructive, or otherwise criminal, please contact law enforcement and provide as much specific information as possible about what occurred.

The Centerville Police Department has made, and will continue to make, every reasonable effort available to us under the law. We ask for the community’s patience and cooperation as we work to address these situations while respecting both public safety and the legal rights of everyone involved.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

09/20/2026

🥞 PANCAKE DAY 2026 – PARKING NOTICE 🚔

The Centerville Police Department would like to remind everyone of upcoming parking restrictions for Pancake Day on Saturday, September 26th.

🚫 NO PARKING will be allowed on:

* The Square and side streets
* Washington St. — 10th St. to Haynes Ave.
* North Main St. — Maple St. to Franklin St.
* E. Madison St. — N. Main St. to Haynes Ave.
* Municipal Parking Lot

⏰ Vehicles must be moved by 12:01 A.M. on Saturday, September 26th.

Vehicles remaining in the restricted areas after that time will be towed at the owner's expense.

♿ HANDICAP PARKING

A limited amount of handicap parking will be available in the municipal parking lot behind the PACT office.

Handicap parking will be:

* First come, first served
* Available only to vehicles displaying a valid handicap parking placard or handicap registration plate
* Very limited, so please plan accordingly

We encourage those needing accessible parking to arrive early.

Please help us keep the restricted areas clear so Pancake Day activities can be set up safely and efficiently.

Bicycles, scooters, skateboards and e-bikes are prohibited from being on the square, and one block radius, unless actively participating in the Kiddie Parade or Big Parade.

Only authorized golf carts and UTV are allowed on the square, and one block radius.

Dogs are not allowed on the square, or one block radius, unless actively participating in a parade or is a service dog.

Thank you for your cooperation, and we look forward to a safe and enjoyable Pancake Day 2026! 🥞

Questions? Contact the Law Center at 641-437-7100.

08/30/2026

Parking Restrictions

Beginning at 9 PM on Sunday, August 30th, there will be NO PARKING on the west side of the square. This will be in place during the day on Monday until crews have finished for the day.

Beginning at 9 PM on Monday, August 31st, there will be NO PARKING on the west side of the square. This will be in place during the day on Tuesday until crews have finished for the day.

Beginning at 9 PM on Tuesday, September 1st, there will be NO PARKING on the west side of the square. This will be in place during the day on Wednesday until crews have finished for the day.

Beginning at 9 PM on Wednesday, September 2nd, there will be NO PARKING on the west side of the square. This will be in place during the day on Thursday until crews have finished for the day.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as the crews perform this vital road work.

If you have questions or concerns contact Centerville City Hall at 641-437-4339 or Centerville Police at 641-437-7100.

08/27/2026

**Think Before You Drive Impaired**

An OWI can cost far more than you might expect—and the financial cost is only part of the consequence. Court costs, fines, attorney fees, increased insurance rates, license issues, and other expenses can add up quickly.

More importantly, impaired driving can change lives forever.

Plan ahead. Use a designated driver. Call for a ride. **Never drive impaired.**

Please watch and share this quick video as a reminder to make the responsible choice.

08/25/2026

Centerville Police Department Partners with MADD Iowa for “Saturation Saturday” on August 29 to Prevent Impaired Driving

Centerville, IA., August 25, 2026— Saturday, the Centerville Police Department is joining forces with Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) Iowa and 23 other agencies for “Saturation Saturday,” a powerful state- and nationwide initiative to fight impaired driving ahead of Labor Day weekend. This coordinated effort aims to save lives by intensifying impaired driving enforcement during one of the year’s busiest travel periods, in conjunction with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.

The Centerville Police Department will be increasing our impaired driving traffic safety enforcement efforts, Saturation Saturday, August 29, 2026, to save lives and prevent injuries. The Centerville Police Department is one of 24 police departments throughout Iowa participating in this effort to protect our community against impaired driving.

“Impaired driving is the leading cause of death on our roadways, and police officers are often the first line of defense against this senseless crime,” said Chief Mike Moore. “Saturation Saturday was created to remind everyone that if you choose to drive impaired, you will get caught.”

About MADD

Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is a national nonprofit leading the movement to end impaired driving for good. Since 1980, MADD has helped reduce drunk driving deaths in America by more than 51%, saved nearly 500,000 lives, and served nearly one million victims and survivors. The organization is committed to leading prevention efforts with young adults, collaborating with law enforcement to keep our roads safe from impaired drivers, as well as advocating for stricter sentencing and stronger laws, including the HALT Drunk Driving Law that mandates anti-drunk driving technology in every new car. MADD continues to provide support services to victims and survivors of impaired driving at no charge through victim advocates and the 24-Hour Victim Help Line 1-877-MADD-HELP. For more information or to donate, visit https://madd.org/ and follow MADD on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

08/22/2026

Parking Restrictions

**This is going to be extended for one more day in order for the crews to finish.**

Beginning at 10 PM on Tuesaday, August 25th, there will be NO PARKING on the east side of the square. This will be in place during the day on Wednesday until crews have finished for the day.

Due to rainy weather, the Centerville Street Department was unable to get the square project completed. With nice weather in the forecast, they will be hard at work next week completing the road project on the east side of the square.

Beginning at 10 PM on Sunday, August 23rd, there will be NO PARKING on the east side of the square. This will be in place during the day on Monday until crews have finished for the day.

Beginning at 10 PM on Monday, August 24th, there will be NO Parking on the east side of the square. This will be in place during the day on Tuesday until crews have finished for the day.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as the crews perform this vital road work.

If you have questions or concerns contact Centerville City Hall at 641-437-4339 or Centerville Police at 641-437-7100.

08/19/2026

Congratulations to Assistant Chief Josh Sinnott and Sergeant Jimmy Bates who just completed the FBI-LEEDA Leading Edge Mindset training at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy.

The FBI-LEEDA Leading Edge Mindset: Frontline Leadership (LEM)* is a 3-day leadership development course where leadership begins. Created for first-level and emerging public safety professionals, this foundational program lays the groundwork for a lifetime of effective, principled leadership. Students will build the mindset and skills to lead with integrity, communicate with confidence, and serve their community with excellence – from day one and every day after.

From early-career professionals to emerging leaders, this program provides the tools to make a real difference.

08/17/2026

Stopping isn't a suggestion. It's the law.

With school fast approaching, all drivers, new and seasoned, need to remember to use caution while driving. Every year we have multiple reports of drivers passing a stopped school bus. Pay attention and keep the roads and our kids safe.

Address

22158 Dewey Road
Centerville, IA
52544

Telephone

+16414377100

Website

http://www.centerville-ia.org/

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