Fort Dodge Police made 3 arrests on Tuesday, January 31st in regards to incidents that took place last week.
The first crime occurred at approximately 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 24th, as two subjects used a ruse to enter a residence in the area of 800 block of South 17th St. While inside, the suspects stole credit cards and other items – later using them to fraudulently purchase items. The elderly victims became aware of the theft and reported it later in the day.
The second incident happened at approximately 11:40 p.m. on Thursday, January 26th, as an employee of Community Pizza went to area of 2000 2nd Ave North to deliver pizzas. As he arrived two suspects assaulted the deliveryman and stole the pizzas. No weapon was shown during the incident.
Based on information and evidence developed through these investigations, two subjects were identified as suspects in both cases. They were identified as: Lennox Vanvecter (19) and Roy Sanchez (18) – both of Fort Dodge. Information also revealed that Vanvecter had an outstanding warrant for a probation violation.
Throughout the investigation as information developed on the suspects, it was shared with other Fort Dodge Public Safety partners. As a result of that effort, on Tuesday, January 31st at 12:00 a.m., an off duty Fort Dodge Officer observed Vanvecter in the area of the Salvation Army. As officers approached, Vanvecter and Sanchez attempted to run from the area, but were quickly apprehended with no further incident.
Sanchez and Vanvecter were arrested and charged with 2nd Degree Robbery (class C felony) in regards to robbing a pizza delivery person from Community Tap. Officers also charged Vanvecter and Sanchez with forgery and theft (both class D felonies) in regards to the credit card theft from the residence on the 24th.
A third subject, Valeria Bielfeldt (19), of Fort Dodge, along with Sanchez were also arrested and charged with providing false information to a law enforcement officer (simple misdemeanor).
"In a large part, these arrests were made possible by the cooperation of our public safety partners, clear communication and victims and witnesses willing to make a difference," said Fort Dodge Police Chief Tim Carmody.
The investigation into these cases is ongoing and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Fort Dodge Police Department at 515-573-1426. Crime Stoppers can be reached anonymously at 515-573-1444 or online at www.wccrimestoppers.com.
