A young driver was apprehended while operating a vehicle reported stolen just days earlier. The situation escalated when law enforcement attempted to initiate a stop, prompting the driver to evade authorities.
On January 8th, Ashley Amburn, a 21-year-old resident of Ottumwa, was found operating a white 2016 Ford Focus that had been reported stolen to the Ottumwa Police Department on January 5th. The estimated value of the vehicle is $6,000.
The Wapello County Sheriff’s Department located the stolen vehicle and activated both emergency lights and the audible siren; however, Amburn did not stop. According to court records, she was eventually stopped on US 34 E.
A check of Amburn’s driving status through the Iowa Department of Transportation revealed that she is barred from driving. This status has been in effect since November 2, 2025, and will last until October 31, 2029, due to being classified as a habitual offender.
Amburn was arrested and is currently being held in the Wapello County Jail on a $5,000 cash/surety bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 16th. She faces charges of second-degree theft (a Class D felony), driving while barred (an aggravated misdemeanor), and eluding (a serious misdemeanor).
