Lathrop

An attempt to steal gasoline from a rural Rhodes residence on Tuesday turned into a high-speed chase across Marshall County and into Tama County and resulted in the apprehension and arrest of Harold Andrew Lathrop, 45, of Marshalltown.

According to Marshall County Chief Sheriff Steve Hoffman, his office initially received a theft report from a Rhodes residence in the 1000 block of 320th Street at 9:09 a.m.

“The caller reported he interrupted an individual stealing or attempting to steal fuel from his fuel tank and provided a vehicle description,” he said. “Deputies spotted the vehicle in question on Highway 330 at approximately 9:15 a.m. and the driver began to flee when he saw the deputy turn around approximately two miles south of the Hwy 330/30 intersection.”

Hoffman said during this pursuit in which speeds approached 100 miles per hour his office was notified by Polk County authorities that four agencies had been in a pursuit with this vehicle earlier and it was the suspect in a burglary investigation.

“Our office was aided by Marshalltown Police, who successfully deployed a tire deflation device and aided in preventing the pursuit from re-entering Marshalltown on East Main Street Road,” Hoffman said.

The pursuit eventually came to conclusion in rural Tama County in front of Wendling Quarry between Montour and Garwin. Lathrop reportedly believed that he had experienced mechanical failure and surrendered without further resistance.

There were no injuries.

The vehicle, a 2004 Taurus SE, was impounded and is being held pending a search warrant regarding evidence of additional crimes, including incidents in Polk County.

Lathrop, who is well known to law enforcement officials, has an extensive list of past criminal charges, according to online court records.

He was on parole at time of incident.

Following the morning chase, Lathrop made his initial appearance Wednesday before a magistrate judge in Marshall Count District Court.

He was charged with 21 offenses, ranging from eluding to reckless driving to operating under the influence second offense.

Lathrop is held in jail on $5,000 cash bond only.

He will be represented by a public defender.

Lathrop’s initial appearance is Jan. 17.