Altercation seriously injures Red Oak man

Red Oak Police and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation are investigating an altercation in Red Oak that seriously

According to the ROPD, at around 8:30 p.m., The Montgomery County Communications Center received a call of a male that had been assaulted in the 900 block of East Reed Street. Upon arrival and investigation, it was determined Randall James Elarton, 56, had been extensively injured in the altercation, which had occurred earlier. 

Red Oak Fire and Rescue began treatment of Elarton, who was later transported to Creighton Bergan Mercy Medical Center in Omaha, by medical helicopter, with serious injuries. Agents of the Iowa DCI were contacted, along with a crime scene investigation team to assist with the collection and analysis of items of evidentiary value. 

The ROPD believes this incident is a targeted and isolated incident. There is no threat to the community or its citizens. The investigation remains on-going and limited information is currently being released due to the investigation. Further information will be released as it becomes available. 

The ROPD was also assisted in the investigation by the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, Montgomery County K-9 Unit, Montgomery County Emergency Management, and the Iowa State Patrol.