3 Are Charged With Chasing Women In Car

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Youths Released on $1500 Bonds
by James Feldman
Charges were filed Wednesday night against three youths who sheriff's deputies said were involved in the chase of a West Des Moines man, his wife, and sister-in-law.
Truman Osburne, 19, his brother Robert, 21, and Keith A. Courtney, 18, were charged with threatening to commit a public offense and using profane language.
All were arraigned before Justice of the Peace George Lundberg. They pleaded innocent, and $1000 bonds are peace bonds as well as bail bonds and can be forfeited if the youth is arrested again.
He set $500 bond for each on the other charge. Preliminary hearings were set for Oct. 2.
Another Sought.
The charges were filed by Mr and Mrs William Morlan of West Des Moines.
Sheriff Tom Reilly said a fourth young man believed involved in the incident is being sought.
Morlan, 22, told deputies he had gone downtown Tuesday night to meet his wife, Barbara, 20, and sister-in-law, Beatrice Morlan, 25, at Seventh and Locust streets.
Tell of Incident.
Some young men in a car, Morlan said, made remarks to the women. Morlan said the youths then followed him in their car to the home of his brother, C.L.Morlan, 1312 Burnham ave.
Morlan said his brother fired a shot in the air, and the youths drove off.
Sheriff Reilly termed the incident and subsequent chase "one of the most outrageous in a long time."
He said his office has received more complaints about actions of youngsters who "hang out around Seventh and Locust streets than from all the rest of Polk county."
Courtney, 18, of 1903 Mondamin ave, gave his version of the incident to sheriff's deputies who questioned him at county jail.
He said fear of the Osburne brothers led him to take part in the chase. It was his car, said Courtney, which chased the Morlan car.
Telephone Call.
He told deputies he had received a telephone call from Robert Osburne Tuesday, and at about 6:20p.m. met him at Sixth Avenue East and E. Walnut street.
Later, said Courtney, they met Truman Osburne at Seventh and Locust streets.
Courtney said he was driving around the block when one of the Osburne brothers shouted at
two women standing on the corner of Seventh and Locust streets.
Urged Him to Follow.
He said the remark that was shouted was:
"I like red no matter what color."
This, Courtney told deputies, was in reference to a coat being worn by one of the women.
Courtney said that a man (Morlan) then stepped up to the car and asked what had been said. Courtney said he was told, "Nothing," and the man went to his car.
The Osburnes, said Courtney, then urged him to follow the car, and he did as they told him.
Deputy Sheriff Robert (Doc) Robinson said he asked Courtney why he followed the car and that Courtney replied:
"I was afraid I would get a fist in the mouth if I didn't."
An Accident Later.
Courtney was arrested by deputies late Tuesday morning near his home. His car was traced with the aid of a Des Moines Railway Co. curbliner operator who reported he had an argument with a young motorist late Tuesday evening at Seventh and Locust streets.
Courtney told deputies that after the Morlan incident his car was involved in an accident, and that he later took it to a garage to have it repaired.
Courtney said he had known the Osburne's only a short while.
Robert Osburne, was arrestd by police at E.Fourteenth street and University avenue in the car of a companion.
Denies Participating.
Truman Osburne gave himself up at county jail Wednesday evening after learning that he was wanted for questioning.
Truman denied that he was with his brother and Courtney.
Truman said he was talking to a policeman from 9:15p.m. when the incident occurred,until about 10:15p.m. Tuesday.
Kenneth E. Rogers, 20, of 2426 Fleur drive, was with Truman Osburne when Osburne was arrested. Rodgers was taken to municipal court on four traffic charges.
Rodgers paid fines of $1 each on three parking tickets, a $2 fine for no current inspection seal and $3 costs.