Two people from Red Oak were arrested early this morning following the theft of a pickup and trailer and a pursuit in two area counties. According to Red Oak Police, 19-year-old Nathan Allen Aldrich and a 16-year-old male juvenile, both of Red Oak, were arrested for 1st degree theft. Aldrich faces additional charges of eluding and OWI 1st offense.

Both suspects were arrested after Red Oak police officers attempted a traffic stop at the intersection of Highways 34 and 48, at around 3 a.m. Officers became suspicious when they saw the Jayco camper being pulled by a 2006 Nissan pickup. They apparently knew the owner of the camper, and confirmed it had been stolen from Mark Euken, of Red Oak.

The pickup and trailer failed to stop for authorities and continued west on Highway 34, sometimes in the oncoming lanes of traffic, into Mills County. Stopsticks were deployed by Mills County Sheriff’s Deptuies, and the pickup’s tires were punctured, but it continued westbound into Glenwood, where pickup and camper ended up in a ditch.

Aldrich was being held in the Montgomery County Jail on $10,000 bond, awaiting an appearance before the magistrate, while the juvenile was booked into the jail and later transported to the Council Bluffs Juvenile Detention Center. 

Officials say items recovered in the stolen trailer indicate the suspects allegedly broke into other vehicles or businesses in the Red Oak area overnight. Residents and business owners were being advised to check their vehicles and businesses for indications of burglary.

If you notice items missing from your vehicle or business, you’re asked to contact Red Oak Police.