Not Guilty Plea Filed In Attempt To Commit Murder

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

Oskaloosa, Iowa – Mahaska County resident Arthur James Wessels was recently back in Mahaska County Court to plead not guilty to several charges including the mentioned Attempt To Commit Murder, a Class B Felony.

Also on June 17th, Wessels waived his right to a speedy trial. His trial date is set for October 18, 2011 at 9:30 a.m.

On June 20th, a hearing took place in Mahaska County Court for Wessels bond. Court documents state, “The record reflects that the defendant has been charged with the crimes of Willful Injury, a Class D felony, Domestic Assault with Intent to Inflict Serious Injury, an aggravated misdemeanor; Operating a Motor Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol or a Drug, third offense, a Class D felony; Eluding, a Class D felony; and Attempt to Commit Murder, a Class B felony. Upon considering the factors enumerated in Section 811.2 to the extent disclosed by the record, the court finds that bail should be fixed in the amount of $50,000. The defendant may post cash or acquire a bond with sufficient sureties. If the defendant bonds out, he shall be subject to supervision by the Eight Judicial District Department of Correctional Services and shall remain subject to the no contact order with Shari Thompson filed May 29, 2011.”

The charge of Attempt To Commit Murder stems back to the allegation that Wessels on or about the 28th of May, 2011, in Mahaska County, Iowa, did: Unlawfully, with the intent to cause the death of Doug McMillian, ram and push Deputy McMillian in his car towards the Des Moines River.

Wessels remains in the Mahaska County Jail awaiting trial.

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