3 injured in “Cutting incident” in Council Bluffs
January 8th, 2026 by Ric Hanson
(Council Bluffs, IA) – Police in Council Bluffs report two adults and a juvenile male were injured during an incident Wednesday night. Authorities say officers were called at around 9:20-pm to 3002 Margaret Avenue in Council Bluffs, for an active disturbance.
Multiple callers to 911 reported a loud explosion and multiple people fighting, along with a possible cutting. Prior to officers’ arrival, three people were transported from the scene to Jenny Edmundson Hospital’s Emergency Room by private vehicles. A subsequent disturbance between members of the opposing groups occurred in the hospital lobby and was broken up by officers.
Authorities say multiple witnesses and participants in the fight were interviewed by detectives who pieced together the following events: Earlier in the evening, a disturbance occurred on Stuart Blvd. in Council Bluffs between several groups. At approximately 9:15 pm, several subjects arrived at 3002 Margaret Avenue to confront the opposing group from the previous disturbance. A “M80” style firework was thrown at a resident of that home which resulted in a large fight in the driveway of that residence.
As a result, 45-year-old Gary Estrada, 56-year-old Allen Shenefield and a 17-year old male, all from Council Bluffs, sustained cutting injuries. Estrada and the juvenile male were being treated at Jenny Edmundson. Shenefield was transferred to the University of Nebraska Medical Center for further treatment. The conditions of the victims are not
being released at this time.
The investigation is ongoing as detectives continue to collect evidence and piece together witness statements. After the investigation is complete, detectives will coordinate with the county attorney’s office to determine the appropriate charges.
If any member of the community witnessed this incident and/or has video evidence of the disturbance please contact the Council Bluffs Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division at 712-328-4728. To remain anonymous, please call CrimeStoppers at 712-328-7867 or tips may be submitted on-line at: https://www.councilbluffs-ia.gov/FormCenter/Police-Department-2/Online-CrimeStoppers-Tip-70.

