March 19, 2024

Authorities: Iowa hit-and-run suspect reported car stolen

COUNCIL BLUFFS — Authorities say a Nebraska man suspected in a fatal hit-and-run crash in Iowa told police his vehicle was stolen the night of the accident.

Fourty-four-year-old Tracy Peniska of Omaha turned himself in at the Pottawattamie County Jail Monday and was charged Tuesday with leaving the scene of a fatality accident and obstructing prosecution.

Police say Peniska was driving his car March 9 on the Interstate 480 bridge in Council Bluffs when he hit a pedestrian, 29-year-old Brett Jensen. Police say they Peniska reported his car stolen to Omaha police the night of the hit-and-run.

The public defender’s office has declined to comment on the case.