INFORMATION RELEASE

On 5/30/21, at about 5:15 p.m., JPD was dispatched to a shoplift-in-progress at a downtown business, located in the 100 block of S. Franklin Street.  Shortly afterwards, a responding officer saw a man matching the description of the suspect walking on the sidewalk outside City Hall.

When the officer stopped to contact the man, later identified as 31-year-old Steve Allen Kissack, Kissack drew a fixed blade knife from a sheath on his side and starting walking towards the officer in a threatening manner.  The officer, who was by himself, drew his firearm and gave Kissack multiple commands to put the knife down. Kissack refused the officers commands to drop the knife and ultimately came within 15-feet of the officer before backup arrived and he was taken into custody without further incident or injury.

Officers spoke with the original complainant who told police that Kissack had stolen a can of soda, valued at about $.68.

Kissack was placed under arrest for assault in the 3rd degree, a class C felony, for placing the responding officer in fear of serious physical injury with the knife and theft in the 4th degree, a class B misdemeanor, for stealing the can of soda. Kissack was taken to jail and held without bail.