Des Moines, IA – Parts of the Woodland Hills Golf Course in north Des Moines were closed for repairs on Friday, September 19, after a high-speed car chase caused thousands of dollars in damage to the course’s greens.
Theft Attempt at Harley-Davidson
The incident began at Big Barn Harley-Davidson, located at 81 NW 49th Place, when deputies spotted a 30-year-old Missouri man allegedly trying to steal motorcycles from the dealership. Court filings state the suspect was loading three motorcycles, each valued at around $10,000, into his truck and trailer.
The man reportedly drove through the locked glass service garage doors to access the entrance, causing an additional $10,000 in property damage.
The Chase
After leaving the dealership, the suspect fled in his vehicle, leading Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies on a nearly 3-mile pursuit. Key details from court documents include:
- As per reports, the chase proceeded north along Northwest Second Street before turning onto Northwest 66th Avenue, a residential area.
- At times, the suspect reached speeds of 90 mph on a road with a 55 mph speed limit.
- The pursuit ended when the suspect drove onto the Woodland Hills Golf Course at 620 NE 66th Ave, damaging parts of the 10th hole green and the approach area of the 16th hole green.
According to Lt. Mark Chance, sheriff’s spokesperson, driving through a golf course during a chase is extremely rare:
“We see crazy stuff all the time, but someone driving through a golf course is not something you see every day.”
Charges Filed
The suspect faces multiple charges stemming from the incident, including:
- Three counts of first-degree theft
- Three counts of first-degree criminal mischief
- Third-degree burglary
- Driving 25 mph over the speed limit while eluding police
The Woodland Hills Golf Course, owned by Hubbell Realty, announced that the 10th hole would remain closed for repairs for the remainder of the day.
Community and Law Enforcement Response
Deputies emphasized the dangerous nature of the pursuit, noting that driving through residential areas and public properties put both residents and the public at risk. Authorities also stressed the importance of reporting suspicious activity at local businesses to help prevent theft and other crimes.
What do you think about this dangerous chase through a golf course? Should harsher penalties apply for drivers who risk public safety during pursuits? Share your thoughts in the comments.
