Sheriff’s Office Apprehends Suspect After Chase
Mahaska County Sheriff’s Department
A Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office Press Release with additional reporting by staff
On Friday, January 25th, 2019, at approximately 9:20 a.m. members of the Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office were notified that a 2007 Jeep Wrangler had been stolen from the Pronto gas station located at 202 South Main in New Sharon, Iowa. At 9:25 am, Sheriff’s Officials observed this stolen vehicle traveling southbound on Highway 63 approaching Oskaloosa.
When Sheriff’s Officials activated their emergency lights and sirens, in an attempt to stop this vehicle, the stolen vehicle fled southbound. The vehicle turned westbound on B Avenue West and continued fleeing to the 800 block, at which time the driver lost control and wrecked the Jeep, striking a fire hydrant and the railroad crossing arms. The driver then exited the vehicle and attempted to flee southbound through the McDonald’s parking lot where members of the Sheriff’s Office apprehended him.
The driver of the stolen vehicle was identified as 31-year-old Kenneth Ray Jones of 504 East Main Street, New Sharon, Iowa. Jones was arrested and taken to the Mahaska County Jail where he was charged with: Theft in the 1st Degree (class C felony). Eluding Law Enforcement Officials (class D felony) and multiple simple misdemeanor traffic offenses including: reckless driving, stop sign violations, driving without a driver’s license and striking unattended fixtures on a highway or street. Jones will make his initial appearance in the Mahaska County Magistrate’s court on January 26, 2019.
The damage to the stolen Jeep is estimated at $5,000. The damage to the fire hydrant is estimated at $3,000 and the damage to the railroad crossing arm estimated to be $ 1,000.
The Sheriff’s Office was assisted with this matter by members of the Oskaloosa Police Department and members of the Mahaska County Dispatch Center.
This is the second stolen vehicle in Mahaska County this week. On January 23rd, at 7:35 pm, a customer stopped at Kum & Go at 1201 North Market in Oskaloosa, leaving her vehicle running.
A Tisha Colbert reportedly got in the running vehicle, and drove away, leaving the vehicle owner behind at the Kum & Go.
The Iowa State Patrol later discovered the vehicle at Marino Ave and 220th Street and took Colbert into custody, charging her with Motor Vehicle Theft in the 2nd Degree.
***As a reminder, a criminal charge is merely an accusation and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
