Lang
12/25/22
The Iowa City woman whose car was allegedly stolen by two West High students says the damage caused by the teens totaled over $1,500.
As KCJJ first reported on Friday, Iowa City Police say a 16-year-old girl acquired her neighbor’s car keys around 3pm on December 2nd and stole a car from an address on Hawai’i Court. The girl picked up a 15-year-old boy, and the two allegedly picked up other juveniles and drove downtown. Once they arrived, the 16-year-old reportedly handed the keys to the 15-year-old, who then took off in the car himself, leaving the 16-year-old behind.
Police have since acquired Snapchat video the younger teen allegedly took of him driving the car.
The owner of the car has since told KCJJ the police never recovered the keys. The cost to replace the keys, onboard computer and ignition is estimated at over $1,300. Towing fees totaled $381.
The woman also told KCJJ that the teens threw everything out of the car, including the contents of the glove compartment and a $175 Christmas gift she’d planned to mail. None of the contents have been recovered. The woman only got the car back last Monday, making her unable to leave town for her birthday last weekend as planned.
Both teens are now charged with 2nd Degree Theft. If convicted as adults, they would each face a maximum of five years in prison.
Police say neither teens’ mother cooperated in the investigation.