March 29, 2024

Police Blotter July 31, 2018

Newton Police Department

Bryan C. Odem, 35, of Newton, is facing multiple charges, including assault and possession of a firearm by a felon, after he allegedly attacked a male victim and held his handgun as collateral for a financial debt. According to a NPD report, Odem was arrested around 11:26 p.m. July 15 in the 600 block of East Fifth Street North. Police said Odem admitted to hitting the victim in a car in front of the home of the victim's friend in the 300 block of East 12th Street North. The victim told police Odem grabbed him by the neck and punched him in the face multiple times. He then alleges Odem got into the victim's vehicle and told him to drive home. Once there, Odem reportedly took the victim's 9MM pistol from inside his home. Odem claims the victim "lunged" toward him and that was the reason for the alleged assault. Court records show Odem pleaded guilty in 2013 to possession of contraband in a correctional facility and a controlled substance violation, both felonies. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm in Iowa. Odem was arrested and taken to the Jasper County Jail.

• Jacob M. Hopman, 19, of Williamsburg, was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of contraband in a correctional institution after he was found trying to dispose of .8 grams of a white crystal substance around 9 p.m. July 19 in the Jasper County Jail bathroom. According to a police report, Hopman was in custody on a Jasper County probation violation warrant when the alleged drug incident occurred.

• Jason T. Purtilo, 34, of Baxter, was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct at 7:37 p.m. July 20, after it was reported he was allegedly yelling and throwing items at customers at the Casey’s General Store at 1018 First Ave. E. in Newton. According to a NPD report, Purtilo threw change, a lighter and was asking Casey’s customers for money. He was transported to the Jasper County Jail.

• Marty W. Brunsmann, 46, of Newton, was charged with OWI, second offense, at 10:20 p.m. July 20, after he was found with a blood alcohol content of .146 during a traffic stop in the 200 block of First Avenue East. According to a police report, Brunsmann failed sobriety testing and submitted to a breath test at the Newton Police Department. He was cited and released to appear in court.

Jasper County Sheriff’s Office

• Dalton Savage, 22, of Newton, was arrested and charged with second-degree theft after he was found driving a stolen vehicle July 17 in the 5700 block of Highway F48 West. According to a report from the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy stopped the blue and white Ford F-150 for operating with no license plates. The VIN number on the truck indicated it was reported stolen from Kansas City. Investigators report Savage could not provide a bill of sale for the truck. He was transported to the Jasper County Jail.

• Alex J. Harlow, 29, of Newton, was arrested and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia at 10:03 p.m. July 18 after he admitted to having a glass pipe containing marijuana residue. According to the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, Harlow was reported as a suspicious person and was found walking on foot on the side of Highway F48 in the 7000 block. Harlow was taken to the Jasper County Jail.

• Andrew G. Meyer, 18, of Des Moines, was charged with possession of marijuana during a traffic stop at 9:36 p.m. July 13 on Highway 163 westbound in Prairie City. According to a report from the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, the marijuana was found during a search of the vehicle. Meyer was cited and released to appear in court.