Rock Rapids, Iowa — Nationwide arrest warrants have been issued for two suspects in connection with the burglary at the Lyon County Courthouse in Rock Rapids.
The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office says the investigation into the break-in, which occurred during the overnight hours of December 16th into the early morning of December 17th, has led to the identification of two suspects: 39-year-old Brandon Lyle High Pipe and 18-year-old Luciano Eliseo Sanchez.
Authorities say both individuals are wanted on multiple charges, including third-degree burglary, first-degree criminal mischief, willful disturbance, conspiracy to commit a non-forcible felony, and reckless use of fire, explosives, or a destructive device.
Investigators allege the suspects unlawfully entered the courthouse and moved throughout the building, causing significant damage. No county employees or members of the public were inside the building at the time, and no injuries were reported.
The Sheriff’s Office says it is now working with out-of-state law enforcement agencies to locate and arrest the suspects. Agencies assisting in the investigation include the Iowa State Patrol, Sioux Falls Police Department, South Dakota Highway Patrol, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, multiple South Dakota county sheriff’s offices, the Rapid City Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Lyon County Sheriff also commended members of the Sheriff’s Office for their work in securing the building, documenting the scene, collecting evidence, coordinating with partner agencies, and moving quickly to have arrest warrants issued.
The Lyon County Courthouse remains closed as cleanup and repairs continue. Court operations for Lyon County are temporarily being handled through the Osceola County Clerk of Court’s Office. Anyone with a scheduled court appearance is asked to contact the Osceola County Clerk of Court.
Authorities say another update will be released once the suspects are taken into custody.
(Courtesy fellow Community First Broadcasting station KSOU in Sioux Center)
