A Fremont, Iowa County Sheriff's Deputy was treated for frostbite after pursuing a theft suspect in frigid temperatures.
Monday night, deputies were conducting an investigation on Green Hollow Road into a string of stolen vehicles and thefts. They were able to recover two stolen cars, a camper, a flatbed trailer, four wheeler and other miscellaneous stolen items. During the investigation, the deputies came into contact with a suspect and a pursuit ensued south towards Thurman. The suspect switched directions a number of times before turning off his headlights and heading into a field.
The suspect eventually crashed the car and fled on foot with a K-9 unit hot on his heels. The deputies and K-9 tracked the suspect down a bluff and into a creek bed where he was told by deputies to give up, but he continued to flee. The K-9 was able to foil the suspect, but was kicked in the face by the suspect in another attempt to get away. The K-9 was able to hold the suspect and drag him towards deputies, where he was taken into custody.
The suspect was taken to Grape Community Hospital for treatment of dog bites sustained during his arrest and hypothermia. He was later transferred to Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs. The suspect has not been identified at this time due to his noncooperation. He is facing a number of charges including Eluding, Assault on a Peace Officer and other infractions, and more charges are pending an investigation.
One deputy was injured during the incident and was treated for frostbite due to exposure to the cold temps.