Chase ends near Protivin

Winneshiek County - On Thursday, May 4, around 9:15 a.m., the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s office was involved in a high-speed chase, which started in West Union and ended in a field east of Protivin.

According to the report, a West Union Police Department Officer attempted to initiate a felony traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Zachary Willie, age 24, of Randalia, Iowa. 

Willie fled from the officer. In an attempt to apprehend the suspect, a chase ensued north out of Fayette County into Winneshiek County. Willie rammed a patrol vehicle and attempted to ram several other patrol vehicles before being apprehended in a farm field in western Winneshiek County, just east of Protivin.

Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office, West Union P.D., Calmar P.D., Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, Chickasaw County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa DNR Enforcement and the Iowa State Patrol assisted with the chase and apprehension. 

Willie was arrested and transported to the Fayette County Jail on outstanding arrest warrants and additional pending charges, including four counts of felony assault on a peace officer, felony eluding, felony interference, felony criminal mischief, assault while participating in a felony and reckless driving.

In a statement, the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office said, “One officer sustained minor injuries. We were fortunate nobody was seriously hurt or killed. Thank you for your concern and support.”