Mahaska County Deputy Vehicle Gets Rammed

Arthur Wessels allegedly rammed a Mahaska County Deputy Squad Car Saturday Afternoon In An Attempt To Escape Capture

A domestic incident in the mid afternoon of May 28th ended in a high speed chase and one Mahaska County Deputy’s Vehicle being rammed.

Deputies that responded to a domestic incident in University Park were informed that a suspect involved in that case was in the Beacon area. Other deputies were searching the area of Beacon when they discovered a car matching the description of the suspect. Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle at 3:49 p.m., by turning on their lights and sirens, but the vehicle continued South increasing it’s speed.

The suspect then turned into the popular camping area of Eveland Access in Mahaska County. Local resident Robert Leonard saw the chase come across the bridge and turn into Eveland Access. Leonard stated, “The suspect then floored his car into one of the squad cars. The officers got out,weapons drawn, and proceeded to remove the suspect out of his car. The suspect protested and started to get physical with the officers. The officers drug him out of the vehicle and threw him on the ground, where they handcuffed him and took him into custody.”

Deputies take a suspect into custody after a high speed chase and collision with a officer's vehicle. (photo R.Leonard)

Also a witness to the chase was resident Charlie Comfort. Comfort said that after the vehicles entered into Eveland Access near the boat ramp area, “One deputy followed behind the suspect and the other went a separate way to approach him from the front. The deputy behind the suspect pulled in front of the suspect to try to stop him. When he did this, the suspect began ramming into the deputy with his vehicle to try to get away. The officers got out with their guns drawn and wrestled him to the ground.”

Arthur Wessels, 64, of Oskaloosa was taken into custody and is facing multiple charges.  The Iowa State Patrol had 3 cars respond and they investigated the accident scene, with Paramedics from Mahaska Health Partnership assisting.

A criminal charge is merely a criminal charge and not an indication of guilt. All suspects should be considered innocent until proven guilty.