MASON CITY – Fire is no joke, and a child was hurt because two Mason City men recklessly caused an explosion this summer.
Mason City police tell NIT that 47-year-old Steven David Thoen and Nathan James Wallace were charged with use of fireworks and reckless use of fire or explosives after an incident on June 23, 2017. A police spokesman said “they had a recreational fire that they had begun to throw other things into. They threw a can into the fire that exploded and hit a child, who required medical treatment.”
Officers were called to the scene and completed the investigation, leading to charges against the men.
Thoen was sentenced to 5 days in jail and $525.25 in fines and court fees. Currently, he is also facing an aggravated misdemeanor charge of third or subsequent offense public intoxication, brought by Mason City police.
Wallace, a convicted felon known for carrying weapons and burglary, was also sentenced to 5 days in jail and must pay $624.25 in fines and court fees.
