MASON CITY – A man who rode away on a bike in Mason City that police used as bait to nab suspected thieves has entered a not-guilty plea.
The Mason City Police Department conducted an operation on October 17 where a bicycle was left unattended in a public location while officers watched to see if anyone would attempt to steal the bike.
Two hours into the operation, shortly after 11:00 AM, the bait bike was stolen. Officers moved in to apprehend the man riding the bike and he attempted to avoid arrest by riding away. After a short pursuit by officers on foot and in a vehicle the suspect was tackled and taken into custody.
Arrested was 27-year-old Joseph Angel Luna of Mason City. Luna was charged with 4th degree theft, interference with official acts and possession of drug paraphernalia. Luna has entered a not-guilty plea. He awaits a pre-trial conference set for January 8, 2018. A jury trial is scheduled for January 23, 2018.
The department will continue to utilize undercover activities such as this to identify and apprehend bike thieves.
