Emmet County Sheriff Mike Martens reported the sheriff's office has been investigating several vandalisms, a theft and also burglary complaints over the last two weeks.
On June 16, deputies responded to a vandalism of a vehicle parked at 106 Second St. in Gruver. According to Martens, a vehicle belonging to a resident had both the rear and driver's side front windows broke out. Evidence was recovered and the investigation continues.
On June 23, a complaint of the theft of gasoline from a farm located at 4620 26th St was received. Upon investigation, it was determined that 400 gallons of gasoline were stolen.
On June 29, a deputy on patrol in Wallingford discovered two burglaries. According to Martens, the Wallingford Pub and the Pro Cooperative Elevator both were burglarized. Upon investigation, it was determined money and other items were taken. It was determined the burglary at the Pub had occurred between 10 p.m. and 4:04 a.m. when the deputy discovered the thefts. Evidence from the scenes was transported to the sheriff's office. The Palo Alto County Sheriff's Office is investigating the burglaries of four Graettinger businesses that also occurred on June 29.
The two county sheriff's offices are conducting a joint investigation of these crimes.
On June 29, Adam Dean Peterson, 26, of Estherville, was arrested on OWI and criminal mischief charges.
According to Martens, a report was received of a vehicle driving at a high rate of speed northbound on North 19th Street in Estherville and turned east onto Fifth Avenue, nearly hitting a utility pole. The vehicle turned north and traveled through a corn and bean field for nearly a half mile.
Officers from the Estherville Police Department and the Iowa State Patrol and along with a county deputy were dispatched. A short time later, the vehicle was observed southbound on North Ninth Street and stopped by the Estherville police.
Following an investigation by all agencies, Peterson was arrested and booked into the Emmet County Jail. He was released the following day after his initial appearance in front of the county magistrate on his own recognizance.