A man from Mills County faces multiple charges following a traffic stop this (Thursday) morning in Council Bluffs that escalated into a pursuit, the crash of a stolen vehicle, and the eventual apprehension of the suspect. Council Bluffs Police report just before 2-a.m. today (Thursday), officers attempted to stop a 2000 Honda Accord in the area of 21st and Ave E as it was west bound on Ave E. The vehicle was reported stolen out of Saunders County Nebraska. The vehicle failed to yield for officers and fled.

Antonio Saldana

Officers pursued the vehicle for a short distance before terminating their attempt to stop the vehicle. The driver of the stolen vehicle continued to drive erratically and at high rates of speed, giving no regard for the safety of others. A little after 2-a.m., officers were called to the area of 1900 blk of Ave C for a hit and run, where a vehicle had struck a parked pickup. The driver had abandoned the vehicle and ran on foot. Upon officers’ arrival in the area, the vehicle was identified as being the stolen Honda that had previously run from officers.

Officers searched the area and located the suspect / driver in the area of 16th and Ave D. He was identified as 20-year old Antonio Saldana, of Glenwood. Saldana was placed under arrest and transported to Pottawattamie County Corrections. He was booked on numerous charges, including: Felony Eluding; Theft 2nd; Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Crash; No Driver’s License; Wrong Way on a One-Way, street, and Possession of Weapons (Brass Knuckles)

The Council Bluffs Police Department would like to remind motorists, the majority of car thefts that occur during this time of year are a result of cars being left unattended with the keys in them. The use of keyless starters or staying with your vehicle while it warms up will help prevent your vehicle being taken by thieves.