Hunter
10/08/25
A Hope House resident serving probation at the facility who escaped custody last month was located and arrested this week.
Police say 44-year-old Brain Luedtka was given probation on five counts of 3rd degree Theft and a charge of Prohibited Acts involving the manufacture, delivery or possession of methamphetamine. According to the Department of Corrections, Luedtka signed out of Hope House at 11:27am September 27th to work a shift at the Casey’s on Mormon Trek Boulevard. He was due to return at 10:30pm but did not show up, leaving his whereabouts unknown to Hope House staff.
A warrant was issued September 29th, and Luedtka remained at large until Monday afternoon when an officer saw him walking down the street near the intersection of Huges and Fairchild Streets in Coralville. The officer attempted to contact him by yelling “sir,” and another officer approached in a marked patrol vehicle. As the officer exited the vehicle, Luedtka allegedly looked at the other officer and began running. A pursuit ensued, and Luedtka was apprehended.
A search incident to arrest reportedly found a glass pipe with a burnt crystal-like substance. Police also allegedly found a used syringe and aluminum foil used to consume meth.
Luedtka was charged with Interference with Voluntary Absence from Custody, Violation of Probation, Official Acts and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He could be sentenced to over three years in prison if convicted on all counts.