Man in custody after low-speed Iowa County chase

An Illinois man is in custody after police say he led them on a low-speed chase through Iowa County Wednesday afternoon before setting his car on fire.

Frederick Franz Jr., 38, of Riddot, Ill., was being held at the Iowa County Jail Thursday morning.

According to the Iowa County Sheriff's Office, Franz drove away from the Ampride Express Stop in Marengo at 1:20 p.m. Wednesday without paying for gasoline. He failed to stop for police, and a low-speed chase ensued through Poweshiek County and back into Iowa County. Stop sticks were deployed, and Franz jumped out of the car after setting it on fire on 145th Avenue just east of Highway 21.

Franz was taken into custody and faces charges of fifth-degree theft and eluding. The Marengo Police Department, Iowa and Poweshiek County sheriff's offices, Iowa State Patrol and Victor Fire Department assisted in the case.