Crime
Armed Individuals at Waterloo Walmart: One Detained, No Injuries Reported
Waterloo, IA — Authorities responded to a large police presence at the Walmart located at 1334 Flammang Drive on Saturday afternoon, following reports of individuals displaying firearms inside the store.
The incident prompted the immediate evacuation of the premises as a precautionary measure.
According to initial witness accounts, two males were reportedly seen running through the store armed with guns. These reports led to an urgent response from the Waterloo Police Department, with officers quickly arriving on scene to secure the area and assess the situation.
Police have since confirmed that no shots were fired and no injuries have been reported in connection to the incident.
As the investigation unfolded, one individual was detained by officers, and at least one firearm was recovered at the scene.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, including whether any criminal activity occurred and the exact nature of the individuals’ actions within the store.
Police are working to determine if the second person mentioned in witness reports was involved or if any additional suspects remain at large.
Officers remained on scene for an extended period to ensure the safety of shoppers and employees and to interview witnesses.
The Waterloo Police Department has not yet released the identity of the detained individual.
Anyone with information or video footage related to the incident is encouraged to contact Waterloo Police.
The store remained closed temporarily following the evacuation but is expected to resume normal operations once the area is deemed secure.
Crime
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subject’s vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.