POCAHONTAS COUNTY — A Nebraska man sought for questioning in a burglary and theft investigation was injured after allegedly fleeing from a Northern Iowa deputy and rolling a pickup truck while trying to drive along railroad tracks, authorities said.
According to the Pocahontas County Sheriff’s Office, the incident happened Monday, May 18, 2026, after a sheriff’s deputy encountered 43-year-old Jonathan Edward Meier of Omaha, Nebraska, at about 11:04 a.m.
The deputy found Meier at 49480 140th Avenue, a rural Laurens farm residence, according to the sheriff’s office. Authorities said Meier was being sought for questioning in connection with a burglary and theft investigation tied to a May 10, 2026, incident.
Meier allegedly fled the location through an adjacent field in a black 2005 Chevy Silverado pickup and refused to stop.
The pursuit continued for several miles into Laurens, where it entered the city limits, authorities said.
During the chase, Meier allegedly drove onto railroad tracks and continued down the tracks for about two blocks. When he tried to exit the tracks, he lost control, causing the pickup to roll, according to the sheriff’s office.
Meier was ejected from the vehicle during the rollover. He was transported by Pocahontas Ambulance to a medical facility for injuries sustained in the crash.
The Pocahontas County Sheriff’s Office said criminal charges and traffic violations against Meier are pending.
Assisting during the pursuit and crash response were the Pocahontas Police Department, Laurens Police Department, Iowa State Patrol, Laurens Fire Department and Union Pacific Railroad.
The case remains under investigation. Meier is presumed innocent of any pending charges unless and until proven guilty in court.