Internal investigation into police officer continues after arrest

RED OAK — The search for a Griswold who evaded arrest from Red Oak police officers ended last week, but the investigation into the pursuit continues.

Michael Dean Mundorf, 37, was arrested without incident in Atlantic, after officers learned he was staying at an apartment there. He was transported to the Montgomery County jail in Red Oak on charges of felony eluding, assault of a peace officer, theft in the second degree, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He remains in custody on a $15,300 bond.

Mundorf is accused of leading Red Oak police on a high-speed chase in the early morning hours of Sunday, Aug. 16 that spanned two counties.

The pursuit began at the intersection of Corning and First streets when Red Oak police attempted to arrest Mundorf on an outstanding warrant from the state of Iowa.

Driving a 1972 Chevrolet tow truck, Mundorf refused to stop, and drove out of the city limits on 200th street.

During the ensuing pursuit, which continued out of Montgomery and into Pottawattamie County, Mundorf drove the tow truck into a police car, causing about $3,500 in damage to the 2007 Impala.

Eventually, the pursuit ended when the vehicles became stuck on a dirt road. However, Mundorf and a passenger, Frank Earnest Kuntz, 62, fled on foot into a nearby cornfield. Kutz would be apprehended, but Mundorf escaped.

Before the foot pursuit began, a Red Oak police officer fired two or three warning shots into the air, violating department policy.

Police Chief Drue Powers said the officer was placed on paid administrative leave within hours of the incident, pending an internal review. Powers said Monday the review is still ongoing, and the officer remains on leave.