A routine traffic stop in Wapello County escalated into a high-speed pursuit after a driver allegedly refused to pull over for law enforcement.
On April 1 at approximately 1:13 a.m., the Wapello County Sheriff’s Department conducted a routine traffic stop on Wapello Street.
According to court documents, Joshua Heilman, 44, of Ottumwa, was stopped after failing to come to a complete stop at a stop sign.
The criminal complaint states that the deputy was operating a fully marked pickup truck with standard Iowa Sheriff’s Office markings. The stop was initiated using red and blue emergency lights.
Authorities say Heilman did not pull over and instead accelerated away, taking evasive action. He allegedly failed to stop or yield at additional traffic control signs as deputies activated both emergency lights and sirens. During the pursuit, Heilman reportedly exceeded the posted speed limit by more than 25 miles per hour. The pursuit lasted approximately 10 minutes.
A warrant for Heilman’s arrest was served on April 22. He is currently being held in the Wapello County Jail on a $5,000 cash or surety bond. A preliminary hearing has been waived.
Heilman is charged with eluding while exceeding the speed limit by more than 25 miles per hour, a Class D felony.
Editors Note: All information was obtained from court documents related to the ongoing investigation.
