Photo courtesy of KNIA KRLS

Four wanted individuals from Keokuk County were arrested after shots were fired in What Cheer. The four were arrested in Harvey on Wednesday morning. According to the Keokuk County Sheriff’s Office, at 2 a.m. Wednesday deputies learned the victim was in her pickup when a man fired five close range shotgun rounds at her. The victim told officers that the man then got into his vehicle and fled the scene.

Further investigation showed that prior to the shooting, the man along with three female suspects forced their way into a home in What Cheer with a firearm. The investigation led officers to Harvey in Marion County. The suspects led officers on a short vehicle chase before stopping and fleeing on foot. All four were apprehended.

Officers arrested 26-year-old Taylor Stilley of Albia on an outstanding federal warrant. Stilley is charged with attempt to commit murder and burglary in the first degree, both are class B felonies. He is being held in federal custody.

Also arrested were 20-year-old Kearstan Schmidt of What Cheer, 18-year-old Mersadie Little of Oskaloosa, and a teenager from Albia. All three were charged with burglary in the first degree, a class B felony. They were all taken to the Keokuk County Jail.

Several search warrants were executed. Officers recovered two shotguns, one rifle, two handguns, drugs and drug paraphernalia. The Keokuk County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa State Patrol, and the Southeast Iowa Drug Task Force.