Police in Council Bluffs said Thursday two arrests have been made in connection with the theft of mail from mail boxes in the community. Bluffs Police Capt. Todd Weddum reports 45-year old Eric J. Kriegler, and 30-year old James A. Whitsel, both of Council Bluffs, were each charged with four counts of Theft. Kriegler also faces charges associated with four traffic offenses.

According to Weddum, a Council Bluffs resident called 9-1-1 today (Thursday), to report they had eye-witnessed a white Toyota sedan in their neighborhood. The occupants of the vehicle were allegedly stealing mail from residential mailboxes. A short time later, a Council Bluffs police officer saw a vehicle matching that of the suspects, and initiated a traffic stop at the intersection of Bluffs and Willow Streets.

The driver, identified as Eric Kriegler, was subsequently arrested for several traffic offenses. Upon further investigation, it was determined the vehicle contained pieces of mail stolen from three different neighborhoods in Council Bluffs. Kriegler and his passenger were then taken into custody.

The Criminal Investigation Division of the Council Bluffs Police Department is continuing to look into the case, to see if any additional charges will be added. The U-S Postal Service Inspector’s Office was also notified of the incident.