Apparent Stolen Car Found Engulfed In Flames

This is what remains of the 1999 Oldsmobile Alero that was reportedly stolen and set ablaze Tuesday morning.

New Sharon, Iowa – Trust in your neighbor is the normal in Iowa, particularly in small communities such as New Sharon. So when a deputy knocks on your door at 4 am, you are usually very surprised.

This Monday night, sometime between 10:30 pm and 3 am, one of those neighbors allegedly took a car, a gray 1999 Oldsmobile Alero, belonging to Rick and Deb Howard.

Their car, reported to be fully engulfed at the time, was discovered by another relative, burning in a field behind North Mahaska High School.

According to the family, it was Rick’s daily transportation to and from work, and only had liability insurance. Rick’s tool box was also reported to have been in the car at the time, and is reported as missing as well.

No one was injured in the apparent theft or fire.

The family asks that if you have any information about this car, or if you saw it Monday night or Tuesday morning to contact the Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office.

The family is offering a $200.00 reward for the conviction of those responsible. They ask if you have any information concerning this case to contact the Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office at 641.673.4322