Multiple agencies took part in a vehicle chase across Southeast Iowa Saturday morning. According to the Fairfield Police Department, at approximately 6:55 a.m. authorities attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle believed to be driven by a subject with a felony escape warrant. It was believed that the subject had walked away from a halfway house probation facility a few months ago. The subject, 23-year-old James Surber, Jr., refused to stop and led authorities on a pursuit through Fairfield, Jefferson County, Wapello County and Ottumwa. Authorities deemed the pursuit too dangerous in Ottumwa and backed off from the vehicle. Fairfield Police officers made contact with Surber by cell phone and after a half-hour negotiation he stopped his vehicle and surrendered to authorities in Agency. Surber is facing charges for escape, eluding law enforcement by vehicle and driving while barred – additional charges may be filed.

Fairfield Police Department, Jefferson County’s Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Attorney’s Office, the Iowa Department of Corrections – probation/parole office, the Iowa State Patrol, the Wapello County Sheriff’s Office, the Davis County Sheriff’s Office and the Ottumwa Police Department assisted with case.