WINNESHIEK COUNTY, Iowa — A man has been arrested after allegedly stealing farm equipment and tools during a snowstorm in Highland Township.
According to the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a burglary on 380th Street after a resident reported waking around 4:30 a.m. to see a tractor being driven from his driveway. Initially believing it was a neighboring farmer, the victim later discovered his John Deere 4430 was missing. A zero-turn lawnmower had also been taken from an outbuilding and was found stuck in the snow in the driveway.
While deputies were investigating, Timothy Schmitt, 31, returned the tractor to the property. When he noticed law enforcement on scene, he abandoned the tractor and attempted to flee.
Authorities say Schmitt admitted to taking the lawnmower after his minivan became stuck in a ditch about a mile away during the snowstorm. He told deputies he intended to use the lawnmower to free the vehicle, and when that failed, he took the tractor instead. Investigators said he was able to free the van but later drove the tractor to a friend’s house before attempting to return it. During the attempt, he reportedly put the tractor in another ditch and broke a cab window.
Schmitt also admitted to stealing tools from an outbuilding. Deputies recovered the tools from his minivan, which remained stuck in the snow.
He was arrested and charged with third-degree burglary and operating without the owner’s consent, an aggravated misdemeanor. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may follow.
