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.
Any connection to Hector Luna? What ever became of him? Been years since I heard that name.