News : Vinton Police Charge 4 in Tire Slashing case, new charges filed

Vinton Police Charge 4 in Tire Slashing case, new charges filed in connection with pursuit.

Vinton Police have charged 3 adults and a 16 year old with Criminal Mischief in the 2nd Degree in connection with their involvement in a series of 22 tire slashings in Vinton overnight on April 13th, 2010. Charged with Criminal Mischief 2nd Degree and Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor were Devanie Linsey, 19, Ashleigh Webster, 19, and Joshua Forrester, 20, all of Vinton. Additionally, Bethany Linsey, 16, of Vinton has been referred to Juvenile Probation authorities for her involvement in the matter. Vinton Police obtained warrants of arrest for the 3 adults involved. Devanie Linsey and Ashleigh Webster turned themselves into authorities on Friday, April 30th and were subsequently released on bond by a Benton County Magistrate. Joshua Forrester was apprehended by Vinton Police Saturday, May 1st after a short pursuit through southwest Vinton in a vehicle which Devanie Linsey was driving. As a result of this pursuit, Linsey faces new charges of Eluding, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Underage Possession of Alcohol and Reckless Driving. In addition to the warrant of arrest, Joshua Forrester was also charged by Vinton Police with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Underage Possession of Alcohol. Vinton Police received a total of 22 individual reports of tires slashed overnight April 13, 2010. Within 24 hours, witnesses came forward with information which led to the charges being filed. Criminal Mischief in the 2nd Degree is a Class "D" Felony in Iowa, punishable by a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both. A Criminal Charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.