Sioux City, Iowa – Two women accused of stealing a vehicle in the Siouxland area and then calling police after the car ran out of gas have now formally entered pleas in court. The unusual case, which drew attention because of the defendants’ own alleged call to law enforcement, stems from arrests made in December 2025.
Authorities say the incident involves a series of theft- and alcohol-related charges that are now moving through the court system in northwest Iowa.
Incident Overview
According to court records, Prairee Springer, 22, of Sioux City, Iowa, and Brandy DeCora, 24, of Winnebago, Nebraska, were arrested in December 2025 in connection with a stolen vehicle. Investigators allege that the women took the car without permission and later contacted law enforcement themselves when they became stranded.
Both women remain in custody as the case proceeds, though they have taken different legal paths regarding their pleas and trial rights.
Timeline of Events
Court documents outline the following sequence of events:
- In early December 2025, authorities allege the women took a car belonging to another individual.
- The vehicle later ran out of gas, leaving them stranded.
- Police say a call was then placed to authorities admitting the car had been stolen.
- Both women were subsequently arrested and booked into the Lyon County Jail.
- Pleas were entered later in December and January as the cases advanced through court.
Pleas Entered in Court
Prairee Springer entered a not guilty plea on January 12 to two charges: first-degree theft and third-degree theft. Court filings also show that Springer has demanded her right to a speedy trial, signaling her intent to move the case forward quickly.
Brandy DeCora entered her plea earlier, on December 27. Unlike Springer, DeCora has waived her right to a speedy trial, allowing her case to proceed on a more flexible timeline.
Charges Filed Against the Women
Prosecutors have filed multiple charges based on the alleged circumstances surrounding the incident.
DeCora is currently charged with:
- First-degree theft
- No valid driver’s license
- Operating while under the influence, listed as her third offense
Springer faces:
- First-degree theft
- Third-degree theft
Authorities have not indicated whether additional charges may be added as the case continues.
Details From Police and Court Documents
According to Lyon County officials, DeCora admitted to drinking alcohol prior to the arrest and failed field sobriety tests conducted by law enforcement.
Court documents also allege that Springer was intoxicated at the time of the incident and that she took an iPhone and the keys to the vehicle from another person before the car was driven away.
Plymouth County officials later detailed the unusual phone call that led officers to the women.
“She and her friend had stolen a car and that they had run out of gas,”
authorities said DeCora allegedly told dispatchers during the call.
Bond Conditions and Jail Status
Both women are currently being held at the Lyon County Jail, though under different bond amounts and conditions.
- Brandy DeCora is being held on a $15,000 bond. Court records show she is also required to complete a substance abuse evaluation within 45 days of her arrest.
- Prairee Springer is being held on a $12,000 bond while awaiting further court proceedings.
No release dates have been announced, and both remain in custody as of the latest filings.
Additional Context on Theft and Impaired Driving
Cases involving vehicle theft and impaired driving often carry serious legal consequences, particularly when prior offenses are involved. In Iowa and surrounding states, repeat operating-while-intoxicated charges can lead to enhanced penalties, including longer jail sentences and mandatory treatment requirements.
Law enforcement officials routinely stress that impaired driving not only endangers those involved but also places the public at risk, even when incidents do not immediately result in crashes or injuries.
Conclusion
The cases against Prairee Springer and Brandy DeCora now move forward with pleas formally entered and court dates expected in the coming weeks. While the circumstances surrounding the arrest were unusual, the charges themselves carry significant potential penalties under Iowa law.
As proceedings continue, further details are expected to emerge regarding trial schedules, possible plea negotiations, and outcomes for both defendants.
If you have insight into similar cases or thoughts on how the justice system handles theft and impaired driving charges, share your experiences in the comments below.
