DES MOINES, IOWA — A Newton man is accused of stealing a Des Moines Police cruiser after an officer left it running while he responded to call. Police say an officer was investigating a report illegal drug activity around 4 p.m. on May 5 when someone jumped into the officer’s vehicle and sped off.
The police cruiser was found abandoned in the 300 block of Shawnee Avenue just a few minutes later. Police found 21-year-old Chance Frisch Johnson in a nearby alley. Frisch Johnson is charged with OWI – 1st Offense, Eluding and Operating a Vehicle Without the Owners’ Consent.
Police are also reviewing the actions of the officer preceding the theft of their vehicle.