News Flash

While checking the area, the responding officer located the vehicle and observed the driver was not wearing a seatbelt. When the officer attempted to turn around and engage his emergency lights, the vehicle sped off and was not immediately relocated, but a license plate number was obtained.

At 11:04 a.m., dispatch received a call from a resident in the same neighborhood, indicating she had just been assaulted in her home by an unknown suspect. Judith M. Lynch, 70, reported initially confronting the male in her garage. He claimed to be looking for “Joe” and when told he did not live there, the suspect left. A short time later, Lynch was at her computer when someone threw a blanket over her, restrained her, and again demanded to know where “Joe” was. The suspect was holding what Lynch perceived was a gun to her body. This was confirmed a short time later when Lynch was able to observe the gun. Ultimately, the suspect fled the residence.

The two investigations above were merged as possibly being related and officers responded to the address obtained from the license plate on the suspicious vehicle. The residence was secured and a search warrant was obtained. A suspect was developed and identified as Jacob D. Harrison, 19, of 2205 Trenton Road in Asbury. Ultimately Harrison was arrested and charged with Burglary 2nd Degree, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, False Imprisonment, and Eluding.

During the investigation, another resident in the Embassy West neighborhood called dispatch and reported finding a gun in the yard. The gun was recovered near the Lynch residence and determined to be an airsoft handgun (not an actual firearm).

Burglary 2nd Degree is a Class C Felony, punishable by 10 years in prison and fine between $1,000 and $10,000. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon is an Aggravated Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 2 years in prison and a fine between $625 and $6,250. False Imprisonment and Eluding are both Serious Misdemeanors in this case, each punishable by up to 1 year in prison and a fine between $315 and $1,875.

Harrison remains in the Dubuque County Jail on a $200,000 cash bond. As with any criminal case, the charges filed are allegations and any suspects are presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law.

The Dubuque Police would like to recognize and thank the residents who were vigilant and responsive by reporting the suspicious vehicle and found gun. All residents are again reminded to keep their homes and vehicles secure at all times, regardless of where you live in the community.