NEWTON – Two Newton teenagers are behind bars after allegedly stealing a Corvette and leading authorities on a high-speed chase in multiple counties.

The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office says that on Monday, October 12, at approximately 5:08 PM, law enforcement received a report of a stolen 2007 Chevrolet Corvette. Less than three hours later, a Jasper County Sheriff’s deputy observed the stolen vehicle traveling westbound on I-80 near the 150-mile marker.

The deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop on the stolen vehicle near the Mitchellville Rest Area. After the deputy activated their emergency lights, a pursuit began, going westbound into Polk County. During the pursuit, the driver of the stolen vehicle was reportedly traveling at speeds exceeding 140 miles per hour.

The pursuit came to an end northeast of Altoona when the driver intentionally drove the Corvette into a ditch, coming to rest in a bean field. The vehicle had two occupants and both were taken into custody without further incident.

The driver was identified as 18-year-old Braiden Billings. He has been charged with 1st Degree Theft Against an Older Individual (Class B felony), 1st Degree Theft of a Motor Vehicle (Class C felony), and Eluding – Speed Over 25 Over Limit (Class D felony).

The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office added that Billings was previously held in the Jasper County Jail on an assault charge just days earlier, and his bond was posted by a family member who was later the victim of the stolen vehicle.

The passenger was identified as 18-year-old Natalee Ryan. She was charged with 1st Degree Theft Against an Older Individual (Class B felony).

Billings is currently being held in the Jasper County Jail on a $41,151.52 bond, while Ryan is being held on a $25,000 bond.