Robert Wilson

Multiple agencies were involved in a vehicle pursuit which led to a chase on foot in Keokuk County Thursday.

According to the Keokuk County Attorney’s Office the Richland Police Department initiated a traffic stop on a black Mitsubishi Eclipse at the intersection of Oak Avenue and Highway 78 in Richland. After running the plates of the vehicle, they came back as registered to a different vehicle. The driver, 26-year-old Robert James Wilson of Ottumwa, accelerated westbound on Highway 78 towards Ollie with speeds exceeding 120 miles per hour. The chase eventually moved to gravel roads at which point Wilson lost control of the vehicle and it left the roadway. Wilson left the vehicle and fled on foot. Richland Police, Sigourney Police, Iowa State Patrol, and deputies from the Keokuk, Jefferson, and Wapello County Sheriff’s Offices conducted a search for the driver who was located attempting to flag down a ride near Pekin School. A search of Wilson’s vehicle discovered a loaded firearm. Wilson was arrested for multiple outstanding felony warrants for escape from custody, and has also been charged in Keokuk County with felony eluding, driving under suspension, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.