(Clarinda) The Clarinda Police Department has released more information on a high speed pursuit involving two Clarinda Academy students.
On Monday, shortly after 1:50 p.m., the Clarinda Academy reported to authorities that two male students had absconded from the facility on foot. At 2:35 p.m., Doug Higgins reported that his red 2018 Chevrolet Malibu had been stolen from his driveway at 317 West Chestnut. At 2:37 p.m., Clarinda Police spotted the stolen vehicle in the area of Cardinal Drive and State Street with the driver and passenger matching the description of the Clarinda Academy Students.
Officers attempted to stop the vehicle. The vehicle failed to stop and proceeded west on State Highway 2. A pursuit ensued with speeds in excess of 130 miles per hour. The driver of the vehicle lost control in the area of State Highway 2 and F Avenue. The car rolled several times before coming to rest. The driver and passenger exited the vehicle and fled on foot into an adjacent field. After a short pursuit, the two Clarinda Academy students were apprehended by officers and deputies of the Shenandoah Police Department, Page County Sheriff’s Department and Clarinda Police Department. The two Clarinda Academy students received minor injuries from the vehicle rollover and were transported to the Clarinda Regional Health Center by Clarinda Emergency Medical Services.
The two Clarinda Academy students are 16 years old and are being charged with felony motor vehicle theft in Page County Juvenile Court. The driver is being charged with felony eluding of a law enforcement vehicle, reckless driving, failure to obey a stop sign and speed of 130 mph in a 55-mph zone and operating a vehicle without a driver’s license. Both students were returned to the custody of the Clarinda Academy where they are court ordered to reside from the State of Tennessee.
The accident investigation is being conducted by the Iowa State Patrol. The Higgins vehicle is a total loss with an estimated value of $22,000.
All reports will be forwarded to the office of Page County Attorney Carl Sonksen and Juvenile Court Services for review and decisions regarding the filing of formal charges.
