On Saturday, March 4, at approximately 1:16 p.m. a Louisa County Sheriff’s Office Reserve Deputy attempted a traffic stop on a black Jeep Cherokee near 4th Street and Oak Street in Wapello. The driver refused to stop, instead continuing south on Highway 61.

The pursuit continued through the city of Morning Sun and rural areas with the suspect’s vehicle reaching speeds of approximately 118 mph. The suspect continued eluding, eventually entering a field on 10th Street and R Avenue in Louisa/Des Moines County. The vehicle finally came to a stop after crashing into a creek, at which point the suspect took off on foot.

Deputies quickly apprehended 49-year-old Thomas McDowell of Wapello. It was discovered that McDowell had an outstanding felony warrant out of Des Moines County for domestic abuse-third offense, and was not valid to operate a vehicle. As a result of the incident, he was charged with aggravated eluding, interference with official acts, driving while suspended, reckless driving, speeding, and failure to maintain control. He was taken to the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington for injuries sustained in the accident and released the same day. He was then transported to the Des Moines County Jail on March 5, and will return for arraignment in Louisa County at a later date.

Assisting the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office were the Louisa County Reserve Unit, Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office, Morning Sun Ambulance, Jim’s Towing, as well as multiple community members.