Waterloo Police Department

10/23/2026

The Waterloo Police Department and Evansdale Police Department continued their joint investigation into the social media threat reported late last night involving East High School and Bunger Middle School. Following a thorough review, investigators have determined that the threat does not appear to be credible.

After the completion of the prior investigation, another safety concern occurred at George Washington Carver Academy. After a thorough review of the information, investigators have determined that this safety concern does not appear to be credible.

We recognize the concern such reports can create and appreciate the cooperation of students, families, and staff throughout the investigation. Ensuring the safety and security of our schools and community remains our highest priority. Both departments will continue to work closely with Waterloo Community Schools to monitor any potential concerns and respond swiftly when situations arise.

10/22/2026

***UPDATE***

Our website is back up and running this morning. Thank you for your patience during the outage.

We want to let you know that our website is temporarily unavailable while our website provider completes an important security update.

A critical security issue affecting widely used website technology was announced recently. Out of an abundance of caution, our website provider proactively took websites offline while its security and technical teams apply the necessary updates and verify that sites can be brought back online safely.

This precaution is being taken to help protect our website and the people who use it. There is no action you need to take at this time.

We apologize for the temporary inconvenience and appreciate your patience as these security measures are completed. We will provide another update once our website has been safely restored.

Thank you for your understanding.

10/21/2026

We want to let you know that our website is temporarily unavailable while our website provider completes an important security update.

A critical security issue affecting widely used website technology was announced recently. Out of an abundance of caution, our website provider proactively took websites offline while its security and technical teams apply the necessary updates and verify that sites can be brought back online safely.

This precaution is being taken to help protect our website and the people who use it. There is no action you need to take at this time.

We apologize for the temporary inconvenience and appreciate your patience as these security measures are completed. We will provide another update once our website has been safely restored.

Thank you for your understanding.

10/21/2026

On the morning of Wednesday, October 21, 2026, an anonymous threat of violence was made toward West High School in Waterloo. In accordance with established safety protocols, the school — along with the on-site Waterloo Police Department School Resource Officer — immediately entered a soft lockdown. Additional Waterloo Police Department personnel responded and initiated an investigation. Through this investigation, it was determined that the threat did not appear to be credible.

The lockdown has since been lifted. However, out of an abundance of caution, there will continue to be an increased police presence at West High School, as well as at other schools within our city.

10/19/2026

Waterloo Police Request Public's Assistance

Waterloo Police Detectives are asking for the public’s help regarding a recent homicide investigation. Detectives are asking any citizens or businesses with surveillance video in the pictured area to check their video systems for any suspicious activity or people from about 9:50 PM to midnight on 10/17/26.
If you have video that you believe is related to this investigation, or any other information, please reach out to detectives at [email protected], or by calling 319-291-4340 (option 3) and a Detective will contact you.

10/18/2026

Homicide Investigation Underway Following Shooting on Lunar Lane

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 18, 2026

On Saturday, October 17, 2026, at approximately 10:04 p.m., a 911 caller reported shots fired and believed it came from inside a residence at 660 Lunar Lane in Waterloo. The caller also believed there was possibly a victim inside the residence. Upon arrival, Waterloo Police officers entered the residence and located an adult female shooting victim. Officers immediately initiated life saving measures.

The victim was transported by Waterloo Fire & Rescue to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased. The victim was transported to the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner for autopsy. The victim’s name is being withheld pending proper family notification.

Waterloo Police Detectives believe this to have been an isolated incident. This remains an active investigation, and no additional details are available for release at this time.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact:
• Cedar Valley Crime Stoppers at 855-300-TIPS
• Waterloo Police Department Detective Division at 319-291-4340 (Option 3)

# # #

Contact:
Captain Gus Farmer
Waterloo Police Department
Public Information Office

10/15/2026

We would like to give a big thank you to Veridian Credit Union for stopping by and dropping off some food and drink for the officers in recognition of International Credit Union Day!!!

10/12/2026

Waterloo Police Request Public's Assistance

Waterloo Police Detectives are asking for the public’s help regarding a recent homicide investigation. Detectives are asking any citizens with surveillance video in the outlined area to check their video systems for any suspicious activity from about 3:00 PM to 8:30 PM on 10/8/26. This could include any instances of disorderly conduct, fights, people running through yards or anyone hiding on or in anyone's property.
If you have video that you believe is related to this investigation, or any other information, please reach out to detectives at [email protected], or by calling 319-291-4340 (option 3) and a Detective will contact you.

10/11/2026

Each year on October 11th, we pause to honor Waterloo Police Department Patrolman Fred P. Widmann, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty in 1908.

Night Patrolman Fred Widmann was shot and killed by burglars while walking his beat. He interrupted the burglars at work at the rear door of the Coburn bicycle and gun store.

One robber, without warning, shot twice at Patrolman Widmann. Although fatally wounded, Patrolman Widmann returned fire and then managed to get to the sidewalk where he was able to call for help. He was taken to the hospital where he died that afternoon due to internal bleeding.

Although the entire police department assisted in the search, and a reward of $1200 was offered, no suspect was ever apprehended.

Patrolman Widmann had served with the agency for two years and was survived by his mother and brother.
Today, we continue to carry the torch for those who gave everything. Patrolman Widmann’s courage, service, and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

10/09/2026

UPDATE – Homicide Investigation Continues Following an Initial Arrest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9th, 2026

On Thursday, October 8th, 2026, at approximately 4:41 p.m., Black Hawk County Consolidated Dispatch received multiple reports of shots fired in the area of West 3rd Street and Baltimore Street. During these calls, dispatchers were informed that an individual had been struck by gunfire.

Officers responded and located a male victim who had been shot. Life saving measures were immediately initiated. Waterloo Fire & Rescue personnel arrived shortly thereafter, continued medical aid, and transported the victim to a local hospital. The victim was later pronounced deceased. The victim was transported to the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner for autopsy. The victim’s name is being withheld pending proper family notification.

At approximately 8:26 pm, Officers and VCAT Detectives detained Jose Kweli Martinez, age 16 of Waterloo, and he is currently being charged with the following:

• Intimidation w/ a Dangerous Weapon (Class C Felony)
• Interference w/ Official Acts w/ a Fi***rm (Class D Felony)

This remains an active investigation. Officers continue to hold the scene, as processing will continue through the morning of October 9th, and we ask for the community’s help in avoiding the area if possible.

No additional details are available for release at this time.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact:
• Cedar Valley Crime Stoppers at 855-300-TIPS
• Waterloo Police Department Detective Division at 319-291-4340 (Option 3)

# # #

Contact:
Captain Gus Farmer
Waterloo Police Department
Public Information Office