(Guthrie Co.) A Coon Rapids man was arrested on multiple burglary, theft and trespass charges.
On June 2nd, the Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a stolen truck/trailer, and tools from rural Bayard. The stolen truck was stopped by the West Des Moines Police Department and the Warren County Sheriff’s Office prior to it being reported stolen. Both agencies shared the driver’s information and bodycam footage with the Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office.
The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Shawn Knudsen, of Coon Rapids, and was subsequently arrested by the Woodward Police Department on June 16th for Guthrie County warrants.
Mr. Knudsen later admitted to stealing the truck, trailer, and tools; and told the Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office where the truck and trailer were located. With the help of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Des Moines Police Department, the truck and trailer were found and rightfully returned to the owner.
On June 12th, other parties in Bayard reported stolen or missing items from their garages that fit the date/time frame of the previous burglary.
Surveillance footage from a Kum and Go in West Des Moines helped the Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office identify Shawn Knudsen as the suspect. Mr. Knudsen later admitted to taking the items out of each person’s garage.
On June 21st, another person came forward and said they had a dirt bike and generator stolen from rural Bayard that fit the date/time frame of the other burglaries/thefts. The dirt bike that was stolen matched the description of the dirt bike Mr. Knudsen was operating when stopped by the Woodward Police Department. Further investigation showed that it was the same dirt bike, and once again Mr. Knudsen admitted to being in possession of stolen property.
Shawn Knudsen has been charged with six counts of third degree Burglary, five counts of Theft, five counts of Criminal Trespass, and one charge of Ongoing Criminal Misconduct.
There are subsequent investigations still being conducted where Mr. Knudsen is a person of interest.
The Sheriff’s Office says please remember to leave your garages closed, and your vehicles locked at night.
Mr. Knudsen shall remain innocent until proven guilty.
