The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office reports one person faces felony theft and burglary charges following a joint investigation by authorities in Mills and Montgomery County, as well as the Iowa State Patrol. 31-year old Damian Allen Govig, of Red Oak, was charged with 1st degree Theft a Class C felony), 2 counts of 2nd degree theft ( a Class D felony), and burglary in the 3rd degree (also a Class D felony).

Officials say the events leading up to Govig’s arrest began early Monday morning, when the Montgomery County Communications Center received a report about a burglary in the 1900 block of G Avenue in Red Oak. After deputies arrived, they determined someone had gained entry into a building on property owned by Michael Ecternach and Jeffrey Fort. Numerous items of value were taken during the burglary, including a 2002 Ford pickup and an attached 2013 Finish Line trailer.

The pickup truck and trailer were involved in an accident three-miles north of Tabor on Highway 275, Monday.  Govig, who was later identified as the driver of the pickup, told authorities he fell asleep at the wheel.  During an investigation into the crash, the stolen property was recovered from inside the vehicle and trailer.