Adair County Sheriff’s report, 2/23/26: Man arrested on Animal Neglect & Reckless use of fire/explosives charges

News

February 23rd, 2026 by Ric Hanson

(Greenfield, IA) – In a follow-up to our report late last week, Adair County Sheriff Jeff Vandewater said a Dallas County was arrested on a warrant and other charges, following a pursuit that began early Thursday morning (Feb. 19th) in Stuart, remains held in the Adair County Jail on a total of $11,000 bond. As we previously mentioned, 38-year-old Jefferey Forrest Stonehocker, of Redfield, was arrested following the chase that ended east of Stuart on Interstate 80.
Authorities say a little after 12-a.m., Thursday (2/19), Stuart Police Officers located a vehicle believed to be driven by  Stonehocker, in an apartment complex parking lot in the 500 block of S. Division Street in Stuart. Stonehocker was wanted on a Linn County warrant for failure to appear for sentencing on domestic abuse charges. Officers, along with deputies from the Adair County Sheriff’s Department and Guthrie County Sheriff’s Department, searched the property but were initially unable to locate him. Officers remained in the area conducting surveillance. A short time later, the vehicle left the property. Officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the driver fled, leading law enforcement on a pursuit eastbound on Interstate 80 from Stuart.
During the pursuit, the vehicle sustained significant tire damage and eventually came to a stop. Stonehocker who was discovered to be driving the vehicle was taken into custody without further incident. Stonehocker was transported to the Adair County Jail and charged with: Felony Eluding (25 mph over the posted speed limit); Reckless Driving; Driving While Suspended; 4 counts – Failure to Obey traffic control device; Failure to provide proof of financial liability; Failure to use headlamps when required, and driving on the wrong side of a two-lane highway. His cash/surety bonds were set at $10,000 on the Adair County charges, and $1,000 for the Linn County warrant charging him with Domestic Abuse Assault (Impeding the flow of air/blood), and two counts of Domestic Abuse Assault.
Sheriff Vandewater reports also, the arrest Friday evening, of 33-year-old Ansley Matthew Page, of Orient. He was taken into custody on an Adair County warrant charging him with three counts of Animal Neglect with serious injury or death, and one count Reckless Use of Fire/Explosives/Destructive Devices. Page was released the following day on a $15,000 cash or surety bond. The charges were the result of an investigation into a structure fire at 411 E. Division Street in Orient, on Feb. 12th. Authorities say Page turned himself-in the Sheriff’s Office and admitted to setting the fire at his residence. During the investigation, firefighters from Orient and Greenfield discovered the bodies of three deceased cats in the home. It’s believed the animals died from smoke inhalation. Screenshots of Ansley Pages’ Facebook page provided to the Adair County Sheriff’s Office show he stated his house was on fire, and that he “did it.”