Hinton, Iowa — A South Sioux City teen has been charged with a felony after he was found climbing the 2020-foot KCAU-TV tower near Hinton.
According to the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office, at about 11:00 on Thursday morning, October 24, 2024, they were advised of a person attempting to climb the tower, which is located about four miles southeast of Hinton.
When deputies arrived, they found a suspicious vehicle in the area.
They looked up on the tower, and a deputy saw a person on the tower at approximately the 1500-foot level. Assistance was immediately requested from area agencies. Sioux City Fire Rescue responded to conduct a high-angle rescue. They started their rescue operation at approximately 12:30 p.m.
By a few minutes after 1:00 p.m., the suspect and all rescue personnel were off the tower.
The suspect, a 16-year-old male from South Sioux City, was cleared by medical personnel and was then taken into custody by the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office. He was taken to the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office and was charged with trespassing on a public utility, a Class D Felony. If he’s charged as an adult and is convicted, he could face a five-year prison term.
A portion of county road K42 near the tower was closed during the operation. KCAU-TV was taken off the air for a period of time as well.
The sheriff’s office says Le Mars, Hinton, and Kinglsey Police Departments; The Iowa State Patrol; Hinton Fire and Ambulance; and Sioux City Fire Rescue and KCAU staff assisted with the response to the incident.
stock file photo
