Suspect Arrested After Wild Early Morning Pursuit

Shortly after 5:00 am on August 20th, 2016, Marion County Deputy Sheriff D.J. Reed was notified of a theft that occurred in Oskaloosa. The suspect in the theft had stolen a 2000 Chevrolet pickup truck and was later identified as Tyler Dan Keasling. Keasling was suspended and on probation for previous criminal convictions. Keasling was also wanted on two felony warrants which described him as possibly armed and dangerous.

Upon hearing of the theft, Deputy Reed determined that highway 163 would be a probable path for the suspect. Deputy Reed located and attempted to stop the vehicle on highway 163 near the Mahaska / Marion County line.

Keasling refused to stop and attempted to elude Deputy Reed throughout northeastern Marion County and northwestern Mahaska County.

At one point, Keasling stopped on 250th Street, put the stolen truck into reverse and rammed the front of Deputy Reed’s patrol car. Keasling then placed the truck back into drive and continued trying to elude Deputy Reed.

Officers from The Pella Police Department and Deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office attempted to deploy spike strips in front of the truck at numerous locations. Unfortunately, Keasling avoided the strips.

Keasling continued and drove through the south side of Pella, and then south onto Idaho Drive. He continued driving in a reckless and negligent manner, often driving into the lane of oncoming traffic.

Due to the potential danger to the public created by Keasling, Sheriff Sandholdt performed a pursuit intervention technique at the intersection of 218th Avenue and Illinois Drive. This successfully stopped the pursuit with no one being injured.

Keasling then exited the vehicle and attempted to run from the scene. He was quickly caught and arrested by Sheriff Sandholdt and Deputy Reed without further incident.

Keasling faces multiple charges in Wapello, Mahaska, and Marion Counties including; theft of a motor vehicle, assault on a peace officer, eluding, driving while suspended, reckless driving, criminal mischief 2nd degree, interference with official acts, operating while intoxicated 2nd offense, possession of stolen property, and multiple other theft and traffic violations.

AS WITH ANY CRIMINAL CASE, A CHARGE IS MERELY AN ACCUSATION AND A DEFENDANT IS PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY