One Person Charged in Shooting Near Mason City High School

One person has been charged in connection with gunshots being fired Tuesday (09.12) afternoon near Mason City High School.

Mason City Police Chief Jeff Brinkley says they responded to multiple calls of shots fired at about 1 pm Tuesday that led them to a residence in the 10 block of North Ohio Avenue. After setting up a perimeter, MCPD called in the North Central Iowa Narcotics Task Force Special Operations Group (SOG), out of an abundance of caution for the occupants, neighboring residents, and responding patrol personnel.

After a search warrant was issued, SOG safely secured the residence and ensured no one inside was injured. During that search, officers seized two stolen shotguns taken during a burglary in a bordering county. They also arrested 20-year-old Casey Cole of Mason City for interference with official acts. No other charges have been filed at this time and Brinkley said there is no ongoing threat to the community from this matter.

During the incident, MCPD worked with the Mason City Community School District about end-of-day dismissal for students. Brinkley says because law enforcement personnel were short-handed due to the situation, school officials helped staff street barricades to keep students out of harm’s way. 

MCPD was also assisted by the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, Mason City Fire Department, and the City of Mason City Neighborhood Services Division.

Anyone with information about the investigation should contact MCPD by calling 641-421-3636.