Lang
12/14/19
A Cedar Rapids couple is accused of stealing a car, then driving down to Swisher to steal another vehicle.
According to the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, 36-year-old Joseph Kremer of 2nd Avenue Southwest and 23-year-old Wendie Beard of 7th Avenue Southwest took a Ford Flex from Cedar Rapids without the owner’s permission and drove it to Squirrel Ridge Road near Cou Falls just before 4:15 Friday afternoon. The two then allegedly tried to steal a second vehicle, which became stuck. They then returned to the first vehicle and drove off through a field, then fled on foot.
A police K9 tracked Kremer and Beard, who were found hiding in a shed on a property on 140th Street.
Investigators say the first vehicle smelled heavily of alcohol, and Kremer showed multiple signs of intoxication. Empty liquor bottles were also found at the scene.
Driving through the field caused an estimated $1,500 in damage to the first vehicle.
Kremer is charged with 1st Degree Theft, 2nd Degree Theft, 2nd Degree Criminal Mischief, Operating While Intoxicated and Driving While Suspended. If convicted, he faces a maximum of 21 years in prison.
Beard is charged with 1st Degree Theft, 2nd Degree Theft and Interference with Official Acts. If convicted on all charges, she faces a maximum of over 15 years behind bars.