Police believe missing minor in Creston area

COUNCIL BLUFFS — Dakota B. Cook, 14, of Council Bluffs was reported missing Tuesday afternoon when he was not returned to Children’s Square, U.S.A., in Council Bluffs by his mother Carolyn Cook of Prescott.

According to Council Bluffs Criminal Investigation Division Sergeant Chad Meyers, Carolyn checked out Dakota, a ward of the state, from temporary placement organization Children’s Square, U.S.A., 8 a.m. Tuesday for breakfast, but did not return him. An employee of Children’s Square, U.S.A., then reported Dakota, a white male with blonde hair and blue eyes, missing to Council Bluffs Police Department.

“We’re classifying it as a missing person,” Meyers said. “We need to make contact with them. He has to be back in this state’s custody. Obviously, we want to find him and make sure everything is okay.”

Meyers said he has reason to believe Carolyn is with her boyfriend, Jim Strohman, also of Prescott.

“We still believe they’re probably in the Creston or Union and Adams County area,” Meyers said.

Police believe they are driving a red 1996 Dodge Dakota with Iowa license CIF 705.

An Amber Alert, which is released by lawn enforcement centers and publicizes the disappearance of a child, was not issued for Dakota.

“The main reason was we had no indication that Dakota was in any immediate danger, and we still don’t feel that way. That’s why one wasn’t issued,” Meyers said. “We have strict criteria that we have to stick to before one can be issued.”

Council Bluffs Police Department is working with Creston Police Department and Union and Adams county sheriff’s offices.

Carolyn Cook does have custodial rights to another child, who has not been reported missing.

If you have any information, contact Crime Stoppers at 712-328-7867.