(Spencer)– Two men from Paullina face multiple narcotics and assault charges following an incident Wednesday evening about a mile and-a-half west of Peterson.
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office says deputies and an agent from the Iowa Division of Naroctics Enforcement set up surveillance of that area after getting reports that anhydrous ammonia was being stolen from a tank at that location.
Authorities observed a vehicle pull into the site around 9:45 p.m. The driver, 23-year-old Dustin Coates and a passenger, 34-year-old Ryan Bainbridge…both of the Paullina area…got out of the vehicle and approached the tank with a plastic pitcher. Authorities say the two dispensed some anhydrous ammonia into the pitcher and started back toward the vehicle. That’s when officers made their move and intercepted the two men. Authorities say Coates threw the pitcher to the ground as they tried to flee. They were quickly captured though and were brought to the ground.
Authorities say the pitcher broke when it hit the ground, resulting in an ammonia cloud that enveloped the officers and suspects.
All involved were eventually moved clear of the cloud. Paramedics were called to the scene. The suspects and officers were treated and released. The suspects were then decontaminated and were taken to the Clay county jail.
Coates and Bainbridge were charged with ongoing criminal conduct…a class “B” felony; assault while participating in a felony; two counts of possession of precursors…each class “D” felonies; transporting anhydrous ammonia in an unauthorized container…a serious misdemeanor; and interference with official acts…a simple misdemeanor.
Both men are being held on cash bond of 51,300-dollars.
Authorities say they have also seized two vehicles for forefeiture and additional assets could be targeted as the investigation continues.
