Anhydrous ammonia bust injures four officers

A location less than 2 miles west of Peterson was under surveillance as part of a stolen anhydrous ammonia investigation Wednesday evening. A car driven by 22-year-old Dustin William Coates pulled on to the property at about 9:45 p.m. Officers watched as Coates and his passenger, 34-year-old Ryan Michael Bainbridge of Paullina went to the area of the farmstead where anhydrous ammonia is stored.

The chemical is a common ingredient for the clandestine manufacture of methamphetamine.

"Bainbridge proceeded to steal an undetermined amount of anhydrous ammonia," a statement from Chief Deputy Brad Hawley said. "With the anhydrous ammonia stored in a plastic pitcher, Bainbridge handed the pitcher to Coates and both made their way toward their car."

Officers intercepted the two and when confronted, Coates threw the pitcher into the air and ran a short distance before being placed on the ground. Bainbridge also attempted to escape but was captured and secured almost immediately.

When the pitcher containing the anhydrous ammonia hit the ground, it broke and an ammonia cloud enveloped all officers and both suspects.

When Coates and Bainbridge were secured, they were moved clear of the ammonia cloud and medical attention was sought. Peterson's emergency responders and Spencer Municipal Hospital ambulance were dispatched. Upon arrival, medical attention was administered to four officers and each suspect.

The deputies, state narcotics agent and the suspects sustained throat irritation from inhaling the ammonia cloud. Coates also sustained minor chemical burns to a foot and a hand.

All were treated and released from medical custody at the scene. Peterson Fire and Rescue was utilized to decontaminate the suspects at the scene, rendering them safe for transport to the Clay County jail.

Coates and Bainbridge were charged with ongoing criminal conduct, a Class B felony, assault while participating in a felony, two counts of possession of precursors, each Class D felonies, transporting anhydrous ammonia in an unauthorized container, a serious misdemeanor and interference with official acts, a simple misdemeanor. Coates and Bainbridge are currently being held in the Clay County jail on $51.300 cash bond.

Two motor vehicles have been seized by the Clay County Sheriff's Office for forfeiture and additional assets could be targeted as the investigation continues. The Clay County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Iowa DNE, the O'Brien County Sheriff's Office, Peterson CRU/Fire and Rescue, Spencer Municipal Hospital and Spencer Fire and Rescue.