By Gary Dickson, Editor – Siouxland Observer

Myron Allen Dumarce didn’t wait around very long to enjoy the accommodations, food and other amenities Woodbury County was offering him at their Residential Treatment Center (RTF), 515 Water St. in Sioux City.

He was admitted to the RTF, a work release facility, on Thursday, Aug. 8. Obviously living in RTF proved to be a distasteful option for Dumarce from the get-go as that was the same day he decided to skedaddle.

In case you haven’t heard of the RTF before, here is what the Iowa Department of Corrections says about it on the facility’s website:

The Sioux City Residential Facilities (RTF) are designed to provide monitored, live-in supervision for high-risk clients in need of structure and stability (housing, budgeting, employment), assistance in re-entry from prison, or as an alternative for incarceration in prison or jail. 

Residents progress through the phase system by obtaining and maintaining full-time employment, attending treatment as ordered or deemed appropriate through assessments, meeting financial responsibilities, refraining from drug and alcohol abuse, and displaying pro-social behavior in the facility and community.

The goal of both Sioux City residential facilities is to support residents as they work their way toward becoming productive, law-abiding members of the community.

Now, what’s not to like about that? Especially if you’re a convicted felon who wants to reform themselves and get back to being a productive member of the community.

Oh, but I guess not everyone who has been in prison wants to really change their ways. Besides, all that sounds like a lot of work. Besides, RTF residents have to pay the facility and the state for room and board and other things. It’s not like a college dorm. I mean there’s no keggers — usually.

So, the Iowa Department of Corrections has sent out a press release telling all of us that local law enforcement authorities are looking for a man who they say didn’t report back to the Sioux City Residential Treatment Facility (RTF) on Thursday.

That would be our friend, 20-year-old Myron Allen Dumarce.

Dumarce has been convicted of Theft Second Degree, Eluding, and Assault with a Weapon in Woodbury County.

Dumarce first came in contact with Siouxland law enforcement back in February of 2023 when he was charged with second-degree theft, felony eluding, reckless driving, operating while intoxicated (drug related), no driver’s license, assault on a peace officer and failure to obey a traffic control device. Yikes!

He was 19 at the time when police said on Feb. 9 officers located a Toyota Camry that was reported stolen the day before. Officers tried pulling the vehicle over in the area of W. 3rd and Perry Street but the driver, who police later identified as Dumarce, who refused to stop. Now that’s a bad choice on Dumarce’s part right there. Because the police decided to pursue him.

Police pursued Dumarce in the Camry for several miles, and wouldn’t you know it, stop sticks were used to deflate the vehicle’s tires. The Camry ended up stopping in the parking lot of the Hillcrest Shopping Center, where police arrested Dumarce. 

Apparently, Dumarce has been involved with the Iowa Department of Corrections after his case was adjudicated and disposed in Woodbury County.

Dumarce is described by authorities as an American Indian male 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighing 167 lbs. As somebody once quipped, “You can run, but you can’t hide . . . at least for very long.”

Persons with information on Dumarce’s whereabouts should contact local police.

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