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Baumann arrested in Humboldt

FD man was wanted for multiple car thefts

After a motorcycle chase and foot pursuit, Humboldt County authorities have arrested a man wanted by Fort Dodge police for alleged multiple car thefts in the area.

Bradley Baumann Jr., 34, of Fort Dodge, was spotted Tuesday at about 3:20 p.m. by a Humboldt Police Department officer, on a motorcycle riding in front of a pickup truck reported as stolen. The two vehicles appeared to be travelling together.

The officer stopped the stolen 2013 Chevrolet Silverado, but the motorcycle rider allegedly fled the area, according to police. Police reported that a Humboldt County sheriff’s deputy attempted to stop the motorcycle, but the rider refused to yield, leading the deputy on a pursuit throughout Humboldt.

The report says Baumann lost control of the motorcycle near the intersection of Third Avenue South and Third Street South in Humboldt, striking a house before fleeing on foot.

Baumann was located hiding in an apartment building nearby a short time later, taken into custody without further incident and transported to Humboldt County Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor injuries sustained in the accident.

Baumann was arrested after his release from the hospital and transferred to Webster County Jail, where he was booked on an outstanding warrant for parole violation without bond.

Investigation into the pursuit continues with pending charges in Humboldt County. The investigation into the stolen pickup is also pending.

The incident was not the first time Baumann reportedly led law enforcement officers on a chase.

Fort Dodge police spotted a reported stolen vehicle in the area of North 32nd Street and Second Avenue North at about 7:15 a.m. Sunday.

That vehicle had been involved in another pursuit the previous night in Story County, police reported.

When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver believed to be Baumann, drove away from law enforcement.

Baumann allegedly led police north out of Fort Dodge before driving into a bean field near the Hamilton and Wright county line, just off of Iowa Highway 17.

The driver went into a nearby cornfield and evaded police.

According to police, there have been multiple reports of stolen vehicles and other items in the area throughout the past few weeks.

Police determined that Baumann may be responsible for a large portion of the thefts.

According to police, Baumann was been looking for vehicles with the keys left in them and driving them until being seen by law enforcement.

Many of the targeted vehicles were in a rural setting, police reported.

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