Jul 09, 2024

Bennington resident steals truck, causes damage leading to SPD arrest

Posted Jul 09, 2024 8:30 PM

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER
Lead Reporter - Salina Post

After a red 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 drove over a stump and through an apartment complex yard, Salina Police Department (SPD) officers searched for the vehicle and found a driver who had stolen it.

On Saturday, July 6, at about 3:20 p.m., a witness reported that someone drove a red truck through a yard in the 700 block of Guernsey Drive and caused damage to about 120 feet of grass but drove away.

SPD officers then broadcast the truck's description to other SPD officers so they could attempt to find the vehicle.

"Shortly thereafter, that vehicle was stopped, and it was driven by a Nicole Hoffschneider, who is a 39-year-old from Bennington, Kansas," said SPD Capt. James Feldman. "As the officers began speaking with her and investigating a possible DUI ( case, we received a call from a 40-year-old male of Salina who stated that at approximately 2:30 [p.m.], his truck, which was the aforementioned truck, had been stolen from the Super Eight Motel where he was working."

Hoffschneider, Nicole Lynn
Hoffschneider, Nicole Lynn

Feldman said SPD officers determined that Hoffschneider stole the truck and arrested her. Officers then requested charges of felony theft, criminal damage to property and driving under the influence.

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