On December 26, 2019, at approximately 1:03 a.m. the Rock Port Police Department was advised of a stolen vehicle being pursued by Iowa Law Enforcement Authorities.

According to Shannon Sherwood, Rock Port Chief of Police, Rock Port Police Officers engaged in a pursuit at approximately 1:10 a.m. at the 110-mile marker southbound. Rock Port Police Officers, along with authorities from Fremont County Iowa, pursued the stolen vehicle into Holt County, Missouri.

The vehicle was stopped near the 92-mile marker of Interstate 29 and the driver Christopher Arita (12/13/2002) was taken into custody without further incident. Arita was transported to the Atchison County Jail.

The following charges have been submitted by the Rock Port Police Department to the Atchison County Prosecutor’s office: Tampering with a Motor Vvehicle – First Degree, Resisting Arrest/Detention/Stop by Fleeing – Creating Substantial Risk of Serious Injury or Death to Any Person, Exceeding the Posted Speed Limit by 26 miles an hour plus, Operating a Vehicle in a Careless and Imprudent Manner, and Operating a Motor Vehicle Without a Valid License.

All persons are innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.