Juveniles arrested, charged with theft

Three Iowa juveniles were arrested on Saturday in a stolen car in Bainbridge after a minimal chase.

Two 17-year-olds and one 16-year-old were taken to a juvenile correctional facility in Muncie after allegedly stealing a car and various other items in the Bainbridge area.

Putnam County juvenile prosecutor Jim Hanner said authorities believe the three hopped a train in Dubuque, Iowa, prior to stealing a vehicle in Illinois.

That particular vehicle was dumped, according to Hanner after the three allegedly stole a 1973 Blue Mercury Montego with a vintage license plate.

Hanner said officials responded to a call of a possible prowler in the Groveland area.

According to an affidavit, Bainbridge officer Mike Mahoy responded to the call and proceeded to follow the alleged stolen vehicle to McPherson's Market in Groveland before losing sight of the vehicle on SR 36.

The report further states that Mahoy was dispatched to a possible breaking and entering of a vehicle on North Washington Street in Bainbridge and while on his way to the call, he spotted a vehicle matching the description of the Mercury Montego sitting at the four-way stop at Washington and Main Street in Bainbridge.

The report states that Mahoy attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle fled before crashing nearly 200 yards from the start of the chase.

The three teenagers were then transported to Hendricks Regional Hospital following the accident.

According to court documents, Mahoy found items that appeared to have come from a concession stand in the vehicle, including snack chips, candy bars and bottled beverages. In addition, Mahoy reported to have found rubber gloves and a flashlight in the car.

The report states the three teenagers informed authorities they had broken into the Bainbridge Elementary concession stand prior to the chase at the hospital.

The vehicle was towed from the scene and secured at the Putnam County Jail.

Hanner said he intends to try the three as adults after learning of their criminal past, saying all three have extensive records in Iowa.

"It is our intention to try (the case) in adult court," Hanner told the BannerGraphic Monday. "Right now, we've got possession of stolen property and we've got theft, which ought to be enough.

"When we finally got a hold of the authorities in Dubuque, they knew these kids by first and last names."