Crime & Safety
Police: Man Stuffs Stolen Phone in Pants, Hides Under Tree
Ames Police called to investigate a fight found a man hiding under a tree with a phone in his pants, complaints said.
A 19-year-old man faces theft and public intoxication charges for swiping a phone at a party, sticking it down his pants and running out the door, according to criminal complaints.
Ames police were called to the 3800 block of Marigold Drive about 12:20 a.m. Saturday, June 15, for a possible fight, complaints said. When police arrived they talked to three men and one of them said he was chasing a man who stole his phone, complaints said. Police found Joseph T. Hutchens of Blue Springs, MO. hiding under a tree in a neighboring yard, complaints said. He had taken the $400 phone, stuck it down his pants and left the house, complaints said. Hutchens had red, blood-shot watery eyes and slurred when he spoke, complaints said. Hutchens denied drinking but failed a field sobriety test and refused a chemical test, complaints said.
Find out what's happening in Amesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Hutchens was charged with fourth-degree theft and public intoxication.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.