A significant incident unfolded in Keokuk, Iowa, when a local woman took a police squad car without authorization. The event escalated into a pursuit involving multiple law enforcement agencies and resulted in serious legal consequences for the individual involved. Around midnight on Tuesday, an unidentified person entered the Keokuk police station to speak with an officer. Upon departure, this individual managed to access a fully marked patrol vehicle and drove it towards Fort Madison on Highway 61. Law enforcement from various jurisdictions responded swiftly, leading to the eventual apprehension of Megan Jo Plowman, who faced numerous charges including theft and assault.

Incident Unfolds at the Keokuk Police Station

The initial stages of the event began late Tuesday night when an individual approached the Keokuk police station to meet with an officer. After concluding the conversation, the person proceeded to the rear of the building and gained unauthorized access to a marked patrol vehicle. This action set off a chain of events that would involve several law enforcement agencies. The stolen vehicle was driven north on Highway 61 towards Fort Madison, where authorities were promptly alerted. The situation quickly turned into a high-speed chase as officers attempted to intercept the vehicle.

Upon leaving the police station, the subject made her way to the back of the building and gained entry to a fully marked patrol car. She then drove the vehicle towards Fort Madison on Highway 61. Authorities from Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Fort Madison Police Department were immediately notified. A pursuit ensued when a Fort Madison police officer tried to stop the vehicle at around 11:47 p.m., but it continued north on Highway 61 before turning back toward Keokuk. The chase ended near Oakland Cemetery in Keokuk after the vehicle was disabled. During the pursuit, an officer sustained minor injuries but did not require medical attention.

Apprehension and Legal Consequences

Megan Jo Plowman, a 32-year-old resident of Keokuk, was arrested following the pursuit. She faced multiple charges stemming from her actions, including first-degree theft, attempted third-degree burglary, driving while barred, interference with official acts causing injury, assault on a peace officer, and two counts of fifth-degree criminal mischief. Prior to being held at the Lee County Correctional Center, Plowman received treatment for minor injuries at a medical facility. The incident highlighted the coordinated efforts of various law enforcement agencies in ensuring public safety.

Plowman was taken into custody and charged with several offenses, reflecting the severity of her actions. Her arrest came after a pursuit that ended near Oakland Cemetery in Keokuk. The Keokuk Police Chief Zeth Baum praised the collaborative efforts of the Fort Madison Police Department, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Montrose Police Department, and LeeComm Dispatch Center for their swift response and assistance. The Keokuk Police Department also encouraged the public to provide any additional information regarding the incident. The event underscores the importance of community vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement.