James Surber Jr.

Over the weekend, James Surber Jr. was found and arrested in Ottumwa after escaping from custody in Jefferson County. He is now being held in the Wapello County jail. Surber had contacted Fairfield police with information about an open case and offered his assistance. On Tuesday, August 30th, an operation was conducted with the aid of Surber, and he used the opportunity to flee. Investigators determined he had traveled to Ottumwa, where he abandoned the vehicle he was using. He was originally being held on a charge of 2nd Degree Theft of a motor vehicle, a Class D felony which carries up to a five year prison sentence. He is now additionally being charged with Escape from Custody, a Class D felony punishable by up to five years in prison.