High Gas Prices Spur Drive-Offs in Waukee

High Gas Prices Increase Theft of Fuel Reports

It's tough times for anyone with a car right now.

According to CNNMoney, America's drivers saw an 8 percent spike in gas prices during February. Last Wednesday, the average price for a gallon of unleaded gasoline nationwide rose to $3.73.

In Waukee last week, prices ranged from $3.52 to $3.83 a gallon depending on grade. The increase must have been a bit too much for some people. Just last week, two different gas stations reported three incidents of theft of fuel drive-offs in the city of Waukee.

at 350 S.E. University Ave. reported drive-offs on Feb. 28 and again on March 3. at 1995 S.E. University Ave. reported a theft on March 1.

No charges have been filed in those cases.

Editor's note: All information below is provided by police in incident reports through March 3, the most recent available. Dates below are when the incident occurred, not when an arrest or charges were filed. Charges do not always result in convictions.

Feb. 27

Kari Ratkovich of West Des Moines reported a theft in the 200 block of North Warrior Lane.

Feb. 28

A vehicle driven by David McCanno of Adel was struck by a vehicle driven by Michael Eddinger of Waukee. Vehicle damage was estimated at $400.

March 1

Teresa Hurt of Waukee reported a burglary to a residence in the 300 block of Fourth Street.

March 2

A vehicle driven by Jill Ahnen of Clive was struck by a vehicle driven by Amanda Holloway of Waukee when a third vehicle driven by Ryan Burns struck Holloway's vehicle. Vehicle damage was estimated at $10,400. Burns was cited for failure to obey a traffic control device.

March 3

Stephen Hawbaker of Waukee reported criminal mischief to a vehicle in the 200 block of Fifth Street.

A report of harassment was taken in the 700 block of Southeast Jonas Circle.