Teen steals Iowa emergency vehicle, smashes through house
Found on November 29, 2004 – By Sue Morris
A Kingsley 16-year-old stole a Woodbury County emergency services truck used in the search for him and ran it through the wall and half-way into his family's house early Saturday.
The search started about 2 a.m. when a Kingsley police officer was informed about an intoxicated juvenile who was threatening suicide on County Road L-14 south of Kingsley, according to Plymouth County Sheriff's Office records. When the police officer arrived at that location, two young males ran into a corn field about a half-mile south of the Plymouth-Woodbury County line.
Woodbury County deputies were called to the scene along with Woodbury County's emergency services. Two Plymouth County deputies also responded. After some time spent searching for the two young men, Mercy Medical Center's helicopter was asked to assist in the search.
During the search, a Woodbury County deputy noticed that their emergency services vehicle was moving north, away from the area. They realized it was an unauthorized person who had taken the vehicle, so authorities drove north to find it. The helicopter kept track of the vehicle as it drove into Kingsley, entering the driveway at 224 Park St.
According to the Plymouth County Sheriff's Office, driving into the house was intentional. The vehicle ended up half-way through the house, in the kitchen, where the 16-year-old driver lived.
He fled the house but was caught just a short distance to the south as officers began arriving. He was taken to the Plymouth County Sheriff's Office for processing on the charge of operating while intoxicated. He was also charged with criminal mischief in the first degree, a Class D felony.
The Kingsley teen was taken to the Youth Emergency Services Center in Cherokee.
Charges of motor vehicle theft may also be filed by Woodbury County.