Creston Police report - Dec. 30, 2024

Travis Q. Wambold, 47, of Creston, was taken into custody 1:40 a.m. Dec. 28, at Cottonwood and Townline streets on the charges of driving while barred and dominion or control of a firearm or offense weapon by a felon.

According to a Creston Police report, at approximately 1:33 a.m. a 2000 Ford Explorer was stopped for having expired registration. Contact was made with the driver, identified as Wambold, who was found to have a barred license.

The odor of marijuana was detected coming from the vehicle, leading to a probable cause search. A .22 Marlin rifle and ammunition were located during the search. Wambold is a convicted felon, restricting him from possessing firearms.

Wambold was transported to the Union County Jail where he was released from after posting $7,000 cash or surety bond.

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Cathryn A. Woods, 65, of Creston, was taken into custody 8:53 p.m. Dec. 28, at her residence on the charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to a Creston Police report, at approximately 8:15 p.m. a vehicle was reported to be blocking the alleyway in the 300 block of North Elm Street. Officers located the owner of the vehicle, identified as Woods, at her residence. While speaking with her, the odor of marijuana was detected coming from inside the residence. Woods was asked how much marijuana she had and stated she did not have much left. Woods then gave a baggie with a small amount of a green leafy substance consistent with marijuana and a marijuana pipe to officers.

Woods was cited and released at the scene on a summons to appear.

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Kody S. Exline, 18, of Afton, was taken into custody 2:35 a.m. Dec. 29, in the 100 block of West Taylor Street on the charge of possession of a controlled substance - marijuana, first offense. He was also cited for possession of alcohol by persons 18, 19 or 20 years old.

According to a Creston Police report, a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox was stopped after an empty Busch Light box was observed being thrown out of the window. While speaking with the occupants of the vehicle, the odor of marijuana was detected and a probable cause search was conducted. A THC vape pen was located after it fell out of Exline’s pocket.

Exline was transported to the Union County Jail where he was released from after posting $1,000 cash or surety bond.

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Richard F. Parra-Flores, 25; Rafael Eduardo-Pinto Rodriguez, 27; Jonh J. Artega Silva, 35, and Richard Y. Ferrer Alvarez, 23, all of Chicago, Illinois, were taken into custody 12:24 p.m. Dec. 29, at 806 Laurel Street on the charge of ongoing criminal conduct - unlawful activity.

According to a Creston Police report, four individuals were reported by Walmart employees who were suspicious, possibly attempting to steal from the store and were believed to have from other Walmart stores. Officers spoke to an employee and learned the four men had previously stolen, attempted to steal or damaged property from three other Walmart stores in the state beginning at 10:30 p.m. Dec 28.

The men were in the process of attempting to steal from the Creston store when they were stopped by an employee. No items were able to be taken from the Creston store, however, $2,382 of merchandise was taken from Altoona and Windsor Heights stores and unknown damage amounts were caused to the Windsor Heights, Altoona and Osceola stores by the men.

This investigation is ongoing.

All four of the men were transported to the Union County Jail and held on $25,000 cash or surety bond.