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Alert Citizen Helps BPD Nab Iowa Criminal

A pursuit from Iowa into Olde Town caused some commotion shortly after 9 on Monday (10-27) morning. The Iowa State Patrol had pursued a vehicle driven by Gary Estrada over the bridge into the downtown area near Franklin and Mission. The patrolman flagged a Bellevue officer after he lost track of Estrada when he fled on foot. Other offiers assisted on foot directly from the Bellevue Police headquarters.

He was last seen at the 2300 block of Jefferson until he was spotted on the porch of a house in the area, using his cell phone, in short sleeves and wearing no coat despite very cold weather. He told officers that his grandmother lived there and he was waiting for her to return. But a neighbor told officers they saw him running and that he had tossed his coat and hat in a bush. They also said the woman who lives in the house was just 30 years old.

Chief John Stacey said this is good example of why community involvement works and added, "with the assistance of an observant neighbor the police were able do their job better." The observant neighbor was also able to show officers where Estrada stashed his coat.

Estrada was taken to Sarpy County jail and charged with theft for running the tolls, reckless driving, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, and possession of marijuana.

Photo: Gary Estrada