Authorities in southwest Iowa are asking for your help in finding a stolen pickup and the man who stole it. Red Oak Police say at around 5:20-a.m. today (Wednesday), officers were notified about a pickup stolen from an alley behind  709 E. Nuckols Street. Surveillance video showed the white Chevy extended cab with Iowa license plate CCU 984, was stolen at around 1:23-a.m., and the suspect was 45-year old Stuart James Andrew Sellers, who is wanted in connection with a theft from the University of Iowa Hospital, had fled from authorities Tuesday evening. The pickup has black fender flares over the wheel wells, a silver toolbox in the back, and rust on the rear bumper. Officials say the keys to the vehicle had been left in the unlocked pickup. If you see the vehicle, call Montgomery County Crimestoppers at 1-888-434-2712. You can remain anonymous, and your information could result in a cash reward.

Stuart Sellers

Authorities said on Tuesday, Red Oak Police were contacted by detectives with the University of Iowa Police, who requested assistance in attempting to positively identify a possible burglary suspect. The U-of-I Hospital had recently been the victim of a burglary resulting in a loss of more than $10,000. Items stolen included electronic equipment, printers, phones, personal belongings and miscellaneous equipment. Red Oak Police located the suspect (Stuart Sellers), and began an investigation into attempting to positively identifying him for the U-of-I Police. During the investigation, Sellers fled on foot and eventually entered a creek.

A perimeter was set up, and three K-9 units as well as the Montgomery County Emergency Management drone equipped with an infra-red search camera, searched for Sellers. Despite their efforts, authorities lost track of Sellers and called off the search at around 8:45-p.m., Tuesday. As a result of the investigation, though, authorities were able to recover a majority, if not all, of the stolen property. The investigation is ongoing, and charges are currently pending against Sellers. If you have any information on his location, contact Montgomery County Crimestoppers or Red Oak Police, at 712-623-6500.

Red Oak Police were assisting in their investigation and incident by: The University of Iowa Police Department; Montgomery, Mills, and Fremont County Sheriff’s Offices, as well as the Montgomery, Mills and Fremont County K9 Units.

(12-p.m. News)