Jones County Man Arrested after Stolen Vehicle Chase

A Jones County man was arrested after a stolen vehicle chase in the Fayette County area on Tuesday night.

The incident started in Monticello on Tuesday afternoon. Monticello Police Chief Britt Smith tells KMCH 39-year old Jacob Allan Ahlrichs of Onslow was located in Monticello after a disturbance at a local business where he assaulted someone. While being questioned by officers, Ahlrichs fled on foot, but was not apprehended. Several hours later, a vehicle was reported stolen in the 200 block of South Main Street in Monticello. Ahlrichs had been spotted in the area minutes before the vehicle theft. 

Later on Tuesday around 8 pm, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a suspicious person in the 3000 block of T Avenue west of Oelwein. A few minutes later, a deputy located the described suspicious vehicle in the 16000 block of T Avenue. 

The deputy attempted to stop the vehicle for an observed traffic violation, but the vehicle tried to flee. It was determined the vehicle had been reported stolen – and after about a 20-mile pursuit followed by a foot chase, Ahlrichs, the driver, was taken into custody.

Ahlrichs was transported to the Fayette County Jail, where he was charged with Eluding – Speed 25+ Over Limit, Second Degree Theft, Reckless Driving and Interference with Official Acts. 

The incident remains under investigation. More charges are pending in Fayette County. Chief Smith says charges are also pending in Jones County in connection to the incident in Monticello.

photo courtesy of Fayette County Sheriff’s Office