STORM LAKE, IA (NorthwestIowaNow.com) – Two teenage juveniles have received referrals following an investigation into a series of vehicle-related crimes in Storm Lake.  Storm Lake Police are actively investigating incidents that occurred during the early morning hours of Monday, September 15.

The first report came in around midnight from the 800 Block of West Milwaukee Avenue, where officers responded to a vehicle burglary. The vehicle showed signs of damage and evidence of an attempted theft.

Later that morning, at approximately 5:50 a.m., officers were called to a residence in the 300 Block of Ontario Street for a stolen vehicle report. The vehicle was entered into a nationwide database, and a search was launched. Around 9:00 a.m., police received a report of a missing 16-year-old male from Storm Lake.

At approximately 1:58 p.m., the stolen vehicle was located in Urbandale. According to Urbandale Police, the missing juvenile and a 17-year-old male from Fonda were identified during a traffic stop. Both fled on foot but were taken into custody after a brief pursuit.

Following the investigation, the 16-year-old from Storm Lake was referred to juvenile court for possession of burglar’s tools, two counts of third-degree burglary, and second-degree theft. The 17-year-old from Fonda was referred on the same charges. Both were placed at the Cherokee Youth Emergency Services Shelter.

The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be filed. Storm Lake Police were assisted by the Urbandale Police Department, Buena Vista County Juvenile Court Services, and the Buena Vista County Attorney’s Office.