News : Thanksgiving Day pursuit ends in Iowa County

On Thanksgiving night (11/24) around 8:10 pm, the Iowa County Sheriff's Office was made aware of a police pursuit southbound from Watkins. A black Chevrolet pickup was being pursued by the Benton County Sheriff's Office related to a criminal incident that had occurred in their county.

The police chase entered Iowa County and led into downtown Main Amana on 220th Trail. The pursued pickup lost control near the Ronneburg Restaurant, striking the concrete steps leading to the sidewalk along the road. The pickup struck the street fence and several other fixtures, including a ground mounted electrical transformer, owned by Amana Society Service Company. This caused several properties to lose power in the area. The pickup came to a rest in front of the Amana Colonies Popcorn and Ice Cream building and the driver fled on foot.

After a search of the area lasting about 30 minutes, the driver, identified as 27 year old Zachary Paulson of Norway, IA, was found. Paulson was located by an Iowa County Deputy Sheriff, as Paulson was attempting to hide in the ditch along 220th Trail between Amana and East Amana.

Paulson was taken into custody without further incident. Paulson was turned over to Benton County authorities and transported to the Benton County Jail.

An estimate of damages is still being gathered, but damage totals will likely be in the tens of thousands of dollars. Paulson was last being held in the Benton County Jail on several criminal charges. Paulson will also face charges in Iowa County.

Press release provided by Iowa County Sheriff's Department.