(Creston, IA) – Creston Police Chief Cameron Hale reports that at around 2-p.m. Monday, (June 1, 2026), officers with the Creston Police Department were patrolling the area of New York Avenue and Jefferson Street when they observed 34-year-old Anthony Cross, of Creston. Officers knew Cross had an active felony warrant issued out of Polk County with nationwide extradition.
Upon observing officers, Cross immediately fled on foot, leading officers on a pursuit through the area. During the chase, officers temporarily lost visual contact with Cross near 609 Montgomery Street. Through witness statements and Ring doorbell camera footage, officers determined Cross had entered the front foyer of the four-unit apartment building and then unlawfully entered Apartment #4 upon noticing law enforcement presence.
Officers quickly established a perimeter around the building and initiated an investigation. It was determined that the apartment was currently unoccupied by its residents and that Cross did not have permission to enter or occupy the residence.
A tactical response plan was developed, and at approximately 3:30 p.m., with the assistance of the Union County Sheriff’s Office Drone Team and Creston Police Department K9 Unit, officers entered the apartment and located Cross hiding inside. He was taken into custody without further incident.
Cross was arrested on the outstanding felony warrant and additionally charged with:
- Burglary in the Third Degree
- Interference with Official Acts
The Creston Police Department was assisted by the Union County Sheriff’s Office, Afton Police Department, Iowa State Patrol, and Greater Regional Health EMS.
Chief Hale said “This arrest highlights the value of inter-agency cooperation and the effectiveness of utilizing technology and specialized resources to safely apprehend individuals wanted for serious offenses.”
