Lockridge man charged with first-degree theft

A Lockridge man was arrested Wednesday in Mt. Pleasant and charged with first-degree theft.

Police were advised at 12:40 p.m., yesterday of a stolen vehicle from the Super Wash, 708 N. Wohlleber Dr., in Mt. Pleasant. A male subject, later identified as Rodney Stouder, 38, of Lockridge, allegedly had stolen a Chevy Equinox.

While police officers were attempting to locate Stouder and the stolen vehicle, he left the vehicle and began going to houses asking for help. Officers continued to follow up on calls where he had been seen.

Stouder then went to another residence in Mt. Pleasant, and occupants called the police department and Stouder was located at the house.

Stouder was transported to the Henry County jail and more charges are pending in the case.

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department was assisted by the Henry County Sheriff?s Office and the Iowa Department of Transportation.

The investigation was partially a result of concerned citizens assisting by calling in suspicious activity. Mt. Pleasant police continue to urge citizens to call in any suspicious activity to their local law enforcement agencies.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.