OTTAWA — Two people are in custody and a vehicle theft ring may have been busted as a result of two chases that started in Franklin County Monday. Deputies spotted a stolen 2012 Dodge Ram pickup truck, occupied by unknown subjects, in the 3900 block of Arkansas Road southwest of Appanoose early Monday morning, the Franklin County Sheriff’s department said. When they tried to stop the truck, the driver took off. The deputies pursued the truck, which was involved in a crash in the 1000 block of Pawnee Road northeast of Pomona. All subjects in the truck fled on foot. One person was later arrested, Sheriff Jeff Richards said. In the second chase, someone stole a 2000 Dodge Ram pickup from the 3500 block of Colorado Road north of Pomona monday afternoon. The truck was later recovered in Osage County after a vehicle pursuit, Richards said. Officers used dogs and Highway Patrol helicopters in both cases. Corey Mason, 24, Hoyt, was booked in connection with the second chase. As a result of the investigation, it appears the arrests may have helped break up the theft ring, which mostly targeted vehicles in eastern Osage County, Richards said. A vehicle stolen in Osage County was also recovered, he said.
Friday, June 30, 10 p.m.
