Stolen car leads chase through Washington County

WASHINGTON — Police say a car was stolen in Wellman before 1 a.m. Sunday, as its owner prepared for a trip to the laundromat. The vehicle left town heading east before leading a pursuit through Kalona and eventually Riverside, according to a county dispatch log of the incident.

Washington County Chief Deputy Shawn Ellingson said the vehicle stopped on Highway 22, and the report said it did so, “on the west side of the Iowa River,” putting it near Riverside city limits.

Once it stopped, however, Ellingson said the four boys inside — who were minors — got out and led a new chase on foot. The call log said a law enforcement drone was dispatched in the process.

The police pursuit involved a total of nine officers, responding from Johnson, Washington and Jefferson counties, according to Ellingson.

“Charges will be filed on one juvenile subject for operating (a) vehicle without owner’s consent, criminal mischief, felony eluding, and interference with officials acts,” the call log entry said. “Several traffic citations will also be issued.”

Ellingson said the vehicle did not crash, and that nobody was hurt in the incident. The dispatch report said the vehicle was towed, and that its owner’s purse and keys were returned to her. Police said the incident remained under investigation.

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