FM man arrested on vehicle theft charges

BY PCC STAFF

FORT MADISON - Fort Madison police have reported the arrest of a Fort Madison man in connection with at least five vehicles over the weekend.

Louis Eugene Metcalf III, 32, of Fort Madison, is being held on two counts of second-degree theft and a charge of interference with official act. He is currently held in the Lee County jail pending arraignment.

According to a release from the police department Monday afternoon, the FMPD received six reports of vehicles being stolen over a five-day period. Five were uniquely similar in circumstances, with being unlocked with keys inside, or idling to warm up. Each were then later found abandoned elsewhere in the city. The sixth vehicle is believed unrelated to the other five.

On two occasions a male subject was spotted, one of which by an off-duty officer. Later at about 9 p.m. Sunday night, that same officer observed the subject on foot in the general vicinity were several of the thefts occurred. When he was approached, the subject took off and a foot chase ensued.

He was subdued by the officer after a struggle and taken into custody. At the time of his arrest, the officer found evidence linking him to several of the stolen vehicles. The officer was not injured in the arrest.

This investigation is ongoing. Forensic evidence was obtained from each of the recovered vehicles is being examined. The public is reminded that all persons charged are presumed to be innocent until convicted in a court of law.