On 01/09/2017 at 7:28 a.m. the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office was called to investigate a one vehicle accident at 1501 Center Street in Ruthven. At 7:48 a.m. the Sheriff’s Office was notified of a motor vehicle theft in connection to the accident. Upon investigation it was determined that Jonathan David Matthew Sutherland, 32, of Ruthven stole a blue 2001 Buick Park Avenue from 1307 Bruce Street. While in possession of the Buick, Sutherland lost control of the vehicle at the intersection of Ruthven Street and Rolling Street and struck a utility pole. Sutherland then drove through the yard at 1607 Gowrie Street before striking the back wall of a garage at 1501 Center Street.
Sutherland fled the scene and was located at 1506 Gowrie Street where he was taken into custody. Sutherland was transported to the Palo Alto County Jail, without incident, where he was booked and placed to await his initial appearance before the judge on the charges of Theft in the 2nd Degree, a Class “D” Felony, OWI Drugged 1st Offense, a serious misdemeanor, Driving while Revoked, a simple misdemeanor, and Failure to Maintain Control, a simple misdemeanor.
The Buick was deemed a total loss.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.