A dog may have engaged the shift of a vehicle, causing it to drive into a ditch on the city's east side Thursday afternoon.

According to an Austin Police Department report, the vehicle was discovered in a ditch near railroad tracks in the 1100 block of 5th Avenue Southeast.

The 1989 van was parked on the street with its engine running, while the driver and a passenger exited to visit a nearby business.

Inside the van was a small dog, which Austin police investigators believe may have leaped into the gear shift and moving it from "Park" to "Drive."

Theft of explosives causes concern

The Austin Police Department has issued a warning to citizens, concerning the theft of two dozen

compression explosives.

According to a police report, the items were taken from and I&M Railway diesel engine, while it was parked on trackage behind Jones Cabinets between 10th and 11th Streets Northeast

The red-colored devices are used to

alert train engineers of possible hazards.

Anyone with information about the devices is asked to call the Austin Police Department immediately 437-9400.

Vandalism cases solved

Austin Police Department officers have solved recent acts of paint vandalism at the Riverside Arena and nearby 2nd Street Northeast bridge.

Also damaged was the New Life Vineyard Christian Fellowship (the former Terp Ballroom).

Three 11 and 12 year old juveniles were arrested and charged with criminal damage to property in connection with the incidents

The two boys and a girl admitted spray-painting graffiti.

Austin Police Capt. Curt Rude credited Austin Public Schools police liaison personnel with aiding in the investigation.

Racine fire damages barn

RACINE -- The Grand Meadow Volunteer Fire Department was called to the Lyle and Fiona Fredrickson residence Wednesday.

According to a Mower County Sheriffs Department report,

the couple report a fire

near 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

The location was a farm along Mower County No. 1 east of Racine.

The Fredricksons

had an open burning permit and told firefighters the fire blew out of control and spread to a nearby barn and other buildings.

No damage estimate was available.

Lee Bonorden can be reached at 434-2214 or by e-mail at :mailto: lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com