William Goetz/Credit: Jackson Co Sheriff's Office

 

(KNZA)--A stolen vehicle suspect who eluded Jackson County law enforcement for more than a day is now in custody.

Sheriff Tim Morse says 43-year-old William Goetz of St. George was arrested late Monday afternoon near 150th and U Roads.

Authorities were first alerted shortly before 10 Sunday night when a caller reported spotting a pickup stolen out of St. Mary’s in western Jackson County. Deputies later located the vehicle on 158th Road near N Road and attempted a traffic stop.

A pursuit followed, ending when the truck turned into a driveway in the 15-thousand block of 158th Road, crashed through a fence, and caught fire. The driver escaped into a wooded area. Despite searches using K-9s and drones, he was not found.

On Monday morning, deputies responded to a report of a man hiding in a chicken house. Deputies, state troopers, and KBI agents searched the area with K-9s, drones, and aircraft, but again did not locate the suspect.

Later Monday afternoon, Goetz allegedly stole a pickup from a residence on U Road. After traveling about an eighth of a mile, the truck rolled, and he fled on foot once more.

Law enforcement continued the search and eventually found Goetz hiding in another pickup near a lake east of U Road on 150th. He was taken into custody without further incident.

Goetz was booked into the Jackson County Jail on multiple charges.