(Algona)—Charges have been filed against two suspects wanted in connection with a bomb threat Tuesday against an Algona school and the robbery of a bank in Fenton minutes later.
24-year-old Stoney Gifford of Des Moines and 27-year-old Seth Garrett were charged with two counts of 2nd degree robbery…class “C” felonies; and terrorism…a class “D” felony.
Kossuth County Sheriff Steve Kollasch says authorities believe Garrett and Gifford called the bomb threat into the Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office around 11:00 a.m. Tuesday. While officers responded to that, the two men allegedly robbed the West Iowa Bank in Fenton, stealing an employee’s purse in the process and fleeing in a vehicle that had been stolen out of Boone county.
Fort Dodge police Tuesday evening spotted a vehicle matching the description of the one wanted in connection with the robbery. When the officer tried to pull it over, the driver refused to stop and instead continued on, before eventually stopping. The suspects escaped on foot and disappeared into a wooded area along the Des Moines River, where they were later found and apprehended. Garrett was charged by Webster county authorities with possession of stolen property, carrying weapons and interference with official acts. Gifford was charged with possession of stolen property, carrying weapons, operating without owners consent and felony eluding.
Kollasch says additional charges are pending an ongoing investigation.
