RURAL CERRO GORDO COUNTY – A Minnesota man allegedly stole something from the Mason City Fleet Farm, setting off a massive law enforcement search and chase by up to six area law enforcement agencies – but the suspect crossed state lines and is now wanted on a warrant.
On June 30, 2023, at 8:18 PM, the Mason City Police Department was investigating a theft from Mills Fleet Farm in Mason City. A male suspect fled from Mills Fleet Farm employees and a vehicle description was put out to law enforcement. A short time later, a Cerro Gordo county deputy located the suspect vehicle near Grouse Avenue and County Road B20. The deputy attempted to stop the vehicle, but the vehicle refused to stop. A vehicle pursuit was initiated. The vehicle traveled through Worth and Winnebago Counties on various roadways at speeds reaching 120 MPH. Several attempts were made to disable the vehicle tires with stop sticks but all attempts were unsuccessful. The driver was aggressive toward law enforcement when other maneuvers were attempted to disable the vehicle, police say. Law enforcement learned the identity of the driver as the vehicle neared Minnesota. Iowa Law Enforcement terminated the pursuit at this time. The suspect is identified as Alec Harpestad, 27, of Wells, Minnesota.
Warrants for Harpestad’s arrest will be issued including felony eluding, according to the sheriff’s office.
The Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Iowa State Patrol, Iowa DNR, Forest City Police Department, Winnebago County Sheriffs Office, Worth County Sheriffs Office, Lake Mills Police Department.
