LATEST UPDATE: Driver Sought In Woodbury County Incident Apprehended

Woodbury County, Iowa — A day-long manhunt following a pursuit that started in South Sioux City and ended up in rural Woodbury County ended when a police dog found the suspect.

Woodbury County Sheriff Chad Sheehan says the man who was driving the vehicle was found in a creek bed Monday afternoon.

(As above) “Just north of Hornick. We sent more deputies to that area and we called out a K-9. We started a search of that area and the K-9 was able to find the suspect.”

The man is identified as 30-year-old Edgar Vanegas-Sanchez of Colorado. Police say he was driving with a passenger, 24-year-old Zachary Broken Leg, after they fled the scene when an officer saw them trying to steal the catalytic converter from a car in South Sioux City. The car ran over the foot and struck the officer as they fled, and both men later abandoned the car after crashing near Holly Springs. Broken Leg was caught, but Venegas-Sanchez stayed hidden for 12 hours before being discovered in the creek.

(As above) “Right at the base of the creek bed and had gotten himself hidden in the bank and around some trees and was doing everything he could to conceal himself, but the dog was able to find him. There was an apprehension by the dog (with) superficial injuries to the suspect.”

Vanegas-Sanchez is charged with second-degree theft, felony eluding, interference with official acts, possession of burglary tools, and drug paraphernalia. Broken Leg is charged with interference with official acts, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of meth, drug paraphernalia, and burglary tools. The police officer was treated and returned to duty.

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1st Update posted at 4:33pm, April 19, 2021

Woodbury County — Woodbury County authorities say the driver of a car that allegedly ran over the leg of a South Sioux City police officer early Monday morning has now been taken into custody.

Woodbury County Sheriff Chad Sheehan says the driver was taken into custody Monday afternoon.

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Original post 3:52 pm 4/19/2021

Woodbury County — Woodbury County authorities are on the lookout for a man who injured a policeman early Monday morning. At about 1:30 a.m., a South Sioux City police officer approached two men and the pair jumped in a car and ran over the officer’s leg as they sped away.

Woodbury County Sheriff Chad Sheehan says a high-speed chase through Sioux City eventually ended when the car crashed at an intersection of Old Highway 141 that’s west of Holly Springs and north of Hornick. A passenger in the vehicle was arrested, but the sheriff says the driver ran and got away.

(As above) “We just want to let the residents in this area know that we’re still searching for the suspect and if they see anything…just call right away and let us know,” the sheriff says. 

Sheehen says the suspect was wearing black pants, a grey zip-up hoodie and a black ball cap.

(As above) “There was a gun found in the vehicle. Unknown if he’s armed or not,” Sheehen says.

The sheriff says residents should not attempt a citizen’s arrest, but should contact the sheriff’s office if they see the suspect.

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