Area Man Leads Authorities on 2-County Chase

A Northeast Iowa man faces numerous charges after leading authorities on a chase through 2 counties and ramming a squad car.

The incident began shortly after 9am Thursday (May 4) in West Union, when a local police officer tried to pull over a vehicle driven by 24 year old Zachary Willie of Randalia, who was wanted on outstanding arrest warrants.

Willie sped off, leading the officer north, out of Fayette County, into Winneshiek County.

During the pursuit, Willie allegedly rammed a patrol vehicle, and also attempted to ram other law enforcement vehicles.

The chase came to a close in a farm field in western Winneshiek County, where Willie was taken into custody.

Willie is being charged in Winneshiek County with: 4 counts of Assault on a Peace Officer, Eluding, Interference, Criminal Mischief, Assault while Participating in a Felony, and Reckless Driving.

He was taken to the Fayette County jail on the arrest warrants as well as pending charges in Fayette County; the investigation continues.

Law enforcement agencies that were involved in the pursuit and arrest included: Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office, West Union Police, Calmar Police, Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, Chickasaw County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa DNR Enforcement, and the Iowa State Patrol.