FORT DODGE – A car load of juveniles in Fort Dodge took a stolen car out of Des Moines and led police on a dangerous, high-speed chase through town and eventually crashed into house before all were apprehended.
On Saturday, March 18, 2023, at approximately 11:33 PM, an officer with the Fort Dodge Police Department observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed in the 2500 block 5th
Ave. S. in Fort Dodge. The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle but as soon as the emergency lights were activated the vehicle accelerated and refused to stop for the officer.
The driver continued to flee at a high rate of speed and the pursuit continued throughout the city limits of Fort Dodge. The pursuit eventually traveled to the north side of town and came to an end when the driver fled the vehicle while it was still moving and it crashed into the residence 1014 25th Ave. N.
The driver of the vehicle was apprehended after a brief foot pursuit. Additional officers responded to the area of the collision and located multiple other occupants of the vehicle. As officers continued to investigate the incident it was discovered that the vehicle involved in the pursuit was reported stolen out of Des Moines.
The 17-year-old juvenile driver of the vehicle was taken into custody and charged with the following:
• Theft first-degree (C Felony)
• Eluding (Aggravated Misdemeanor)
• Interference With Official Acts Simple Misdemeanor)
• Numerous Other Traffic Offenses (Simple Misdemeanors)
The juvenile offender was transported to juvenile detention.
Officers identified the other occupants of the vehicle as juveniles as well. These juveniles were released to parents and Youth Shelter.
