Ten vehicles disappeared from Buena Vista County communities over the span of just over a month. Now, Storm Lake police say four people are facing charges in connection with the thefts and a series of burglaries.
According to the Storm Lake Police Department, the incidents happened between Aug. 20 and Sept. 26 and included stolen vehicles, vehicle burglaries, attempted vehicle thefts and attempted residential burglaries during the overnight hours. They say the crimes resulted in several thousand dollars in damage and stolen property.
The 10 stolen vehicles were taken from residents in Storm Lake, Lakeside, Alta and Rembrandt. Police say all 10 vehicles have been recovered.
Investigators believe the incidents were committed by a group of individuals working together.
A joint investigation was launched involving the Storm Lake Police Department, the Buena Vista County Sheriff’s Office, the Buena Vista County Attorney’s Office and Buena Vista County Juvenile Court Services.
Police say investigators reviewed numerous surveillance videos provided by residents and used investigative technology to develop information that led to search warrants at several Storm Lake residences on Monday. The searches resulted in the recovery of numerous stolen items and evidence investigators say connects the suspects to several of the reported incidents.
Eighteen-year-old Derek Rosales Parra of Storm Lake was charged Monday with numerous felony theft charges, misdemeanor burglary charges and operating a vehicle without the owner’s consent. Rosales Parra was booked into the Buena Vista County Jail, where police say he is being held without bond.
A 13-year-old Storm Lake boy was charged Tuesday with numerous felony theft charges, misdemeanor burglary and operating without the owner’s consent. He was issued referrals and released to a parent or guardian pending an appearance in juvenile court.
A 15-year-old Storm Lake boy was charged Wednesday with felony burglary and misdemeanor operating without the owner’s consent. He was transported to the Cherokee Youth Emergency Services Center for placement pending an appearance in juvenile court.
A 17-year-old Storm Lake boy was charged yesterday with numerous felony theft, misdemeanor burglary and operating without the owner’s consent charges. He was also transported to the Cherokee Youth Emergency Services Center for placement pending an appearance in juvenile court.
Police say the investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges are possible.
Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to contact the Storm Lake Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 712-732-8010, or the Buena Vista County Sheriff’s Office at 712-749-2525.
