On Sunday morning (2/5/17) at approximately 8:15 the Marshall County Dispatch Center received a 911 call from a residence in the 20,000 block of 8th Road from someone who had just had his tractor stolen. The suspect was travelling east on 8th Road towards Donaldson. The 911 caller also stated that the tractor had a sprayer attached to the tractor.
Officers with the Marshall County Police Department responded to the area in an attempt to locate the stolen tractor. They observed a tractor matching the description in a field approximately 50 yards to the south of the roadway. Officers also located a full size truck that was stuck in the field next to the tractor with 3 male subjects.
During the investigation it was determined that the driver, Kristopher Richards, 22, of Walkerton, was Intoxicated and was operating the vehicle when the vehicle left the roadway and became stuck in the field. The tractor was taken in attempt to assist in pulling the truck out of the field.
The results of a certified chemical test concluded that Richards had a blood alcohol content 3 times the legal limit. He was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Marshall County Jail where he was lodged on preliminary charges of: Operating a Vehicle wWith a BAC of .15% or more and Public Intoxication
Listeners and readers are reminded that charging information supported by an affidavit of probable cause is merely an allegation that a crime has been committed and that there is only probable cause to believe a crime has been committed. They are presumed innocent throughout the proceedings and are entitled to be represented by counsel and entitled to a trial by jury at which the State is obligated to provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt before a judgment of guilt may be made.
