Two suspects named in Lyon County Courthouse burglary, nationwide warrants issued
Authorities have identified two suspects and have issued nationwide arrest warrants in connection to the burglary of the Lyon County Courthouse early Wednesday morning.
The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office says they’ve identified 39-year-old Brandon Lyle High Pipe and 18-year-old Luciano Eliseo Sanchez as the suspects in the break-in. Both individuals are wanted on multiple charges, including third degree burglary, first degree criminal mischief, willful disturbance, conspiracy to commit a non-forcible felony, and reckless use of fire, explosives, or a destructive device.
Authorities say that the suspects broke into the courthouse and moved throughout the building, causing extensive damage. Investigators found broken glass, knocked down Christmas trees, items thrown around, and writing on the walls of the courthouse. No county employees were in the building at the time.
The Sheriff’s Office is currently working with local and out-of-state law enforcement to locate and arrest the two suspects, including state agencies from Iowa and South Dakota, county sheriff’s offices, police departments from Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Chamberlain, SD, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office thanked members of their staff in a news release, commending them for their work on the case. The courthouse remains closed as repairs and clean-up efforts take place, with court operations being handled by the Osceola County Clerk of Court’s Office. Authorities will next update the public when the suspects are arrested.
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Iowa law officers start two-week traffic safety initiative
Record numbers of travelers are expected on Iowa’s roads over the next two weeks, and law officers statewide launched what’s known as a STEP, or Special Traffic Enforcement Program, on Friday that will last through January 4th. Iowa State Patrol trooper Paul Gardner, who’s based in Fort Dodge, says their goal is to allow everyone to safely reach their destinations.
Iowa has seen a significant drop in highway fatalities this year and could end 2025 with the lowest number of roadway deaths in decades.
Starting on January 1st, law officers will be able to start issuing citations under Iowa’s new Hands Free law, which says drivers cannot handle a cell phone while behind the wheel.
He says the fine will be 170-dollars for motorists who are caught using a cell phone that’s not in hands-free mode.
(Story via Radio Iowa)
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