BENTON – A Gilbertsville man has been arrested for DUI and theft after stealing and wrecking multiple vehicles overnight.
According to police reports, Marshall County Deputies Barry Howell and Sgt. Samantha Mighell were dispatched to the area of Hawkeye Rd. and Wells Lane in reference to a report that two trucks had been stolen from a residence.
When the owner of the first stolen truck was notified by a neighbor that his truck was in a ditch down the road, he got up and attempted to locate his truck when he heard his other truck being started in the driveway.
The owner ran out of the house and tried to stop the suspect, almost being struck by the vehicle. The suspect, later identified as 30 year-old George Cook Jr., struck a mailbox during the getaway. While deputies were investigating the thefts of the first two trucks, another truck (a Chevy Avalanche) was stolen from Friendship Ln., which is in close proximity to the location of the first two thefts.
A witness observed a male subject run from the scene after seeing it run over a stop sign before wrecking in a ditch. The witness managed to chase and apprehend Cook, holding him until officers arrived.
Deputy Howell and Benton Police Officer Steve Robinson arrived at the scene and took Cook into custody. Cook had also stolen a handgun which was located in the last stolen truck. The gun, loaded with a bullet in the chamber and ready to fire, was located in the yard where Cook had been detained.
The first two stolen vehicles were located wrecked on Hawkeye Rd in two separate locations. George Cook Jr. was charged with Theft by unlawful taking over $10,000, Theft by unlawful taking over $500 (3 counts), Theft of a firearm, Criminal Mischief 1st degree (3 Counts), Criminal Mischief 3rd degree (2 counts), Wanton Endangerment 1st degree, Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, Leaving the scene of an accident (2 counts) and Driving under the influence.