A Kansas City, Kan., man faces a host of charges following a car chase and his apparent role in a local burglary Friday.
Richard Vandenberg Jr., 42, was arrested Friday after leading officers on a chase through the north part of Iola.
The incident began shortly after 1:30 p.m. when an officer spotted a white vehicle pulled into private property at 2201 N. State St.
The officer, Lt. Steve Womack, had good reason to know the vehicle did not belong. The property is owned by his brother, Doug.
Womack pulled into the driveway, at which point the suspect’s vehicle sped away, heading north on State Street, then east on Miller Road before entering the yard surrounding the city water tower. The car proceeded around the water tower before heading back west on Miller, then north on Cottonwood Street.
From there, the chase continued along McGuire Drive and Boyer Circle before the driver left the road again driving across a vacant lot, then stopping at a private residence on Boyer Circle.
Vandenberg exited the vehicle and fled into the house, at which point a female came racing out, asking officers to get him out of the house. It was later learned that the resident and Vandenberg were related, Police Chief Jared Warner said.
The ensuing investigation revealed that a Craftsman power washer, an airless paint sprayer, a refrigerator dolly, new tires and cabinets had been stolen from the Womack property. Officers executed a search warrant where Vandenberg was found, where the power washer was located. The other items have not yet been recovered.
Information surrounding the incident has been forwarded to County Attorney Wade Bowie. Officers are requesting charges of burglary of a non-dwelling, theft, fleeing and eluding law enforcement and driving while suspended.
Burglary ends in chase
