Flora crash results in two arrests

The Carroll County Sheriff’s Department received an emergency call just after midnight on Jan. 1 advising a vehicle crashed into a sign in Flora and left the scene at a high rate of speed.

While searching the area for the suspect vehicle, officers were flagged down by Stephen Siwinski of Flora. Siwinski said his blue 1994 Chevy truck had been stolen.

While investigating the auto theft, Carroll County 911 received a call of a blue truck driving off the roadway striking a stop sign north of Flora.

The investigating officers followed a four-mile path of destruction, including mailbox damage and criminal mischief, to find the stolen truck crashed in a field. Two male occupants were attempting to flee the area on foot but were apprehended.

Matthew T. Skeens, 21, of Casper, Wyo. was arrested for auto theft, five counts of leaving the scene of a property damage accident, operating while intoxicated endangering, theft and criminal mischief. Skeens is being held on $23,000 bond.

Derrick W. Shuman, 20, of Peru was arrested for theft, criminal trespass and illegal possession of alcohol by a minor. He is being held on a $7,500 bond.

Flora police officer Joshua Disinger was the investigating officer. He was assisted by Carroll County Deputy Mike Thomas and Deputy Tony Liggett.