BREAKING NEWS: Garner Man Arrested in Attempted Kidnapping Outside Mason City Aldi

APRIL 30, 2025 | MASON CITY, IOWA — A swift response from law enforcement and quick action by bystanders stopped a frightening kidnapping attempt outside a Mason City Aldi on Wednesday afternoon.

According to Mason City Police Chief Jeff Brinkley, officers were called around 1:17 p.m. to the Aldi store at 520 Village Green Drive after receiving reports that a masked man attempted to abduct a woman at gunpoint in the parking lot. Witnesses reported that the suspect wore a disguise and brandished a weapon while trying to force the woman into a vehicle.

Officers quickly gathered details and issued an attempt-to-locate alert for the suspect and his vehicle. Thanks to fast cooperation between multiple agencies and the public, the suspect was apprehended without incident a short time later in Hancock County.

Police identified the suspect as Blair Justin Greiman, 60, of Garner, Iowa. He has been charged with Kidnapping in the Second Degree, a Class B felony, and is being held in the Cerro Gordo County Jail awaiting his initial court appearance.

Chief Brinkley credited the public and law enforcement for the rapid resolution.

"The quick work by everyone involved helped law enforcement to quickly track down and apprehend the suspect," Brinkley said. "We are grateful for the public's assistance."

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Lieutenant Brett Hollander at the Mason City Police Department at 641–421–3636.

Assisting agencies included the Mason City Fire Department, Cerro Gordo County Sheriff's Office, Iowa State Patrol, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. The investigation remains active.