A high speed chase that began in Indianola and ended in Polk County took place over the weekend. According to the Indianola Police Department, on Friday at approximately 11:17am, the department received multiple reports of a green Jeep Cherokee driving recklessly in residential neighborhoods almost striking several people, including children.

Officers attempted to stop the vehicle near the 900 block of E 2nd Ave after it was observed traveling in excess of the speed limit. The driver failed to pull over and a pursuit was initiated, eventually coming to a stop in Fort Des Moines after multiple agencies responded. The driver was identified as 38-year-old Benjamin James Royer of Des Moines, and after receiving treatment from a medical facility post-crash, he was transported to the Warren County Jail. Royer was charged with three counts of Attempted Murder, four counts of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, two counts of Assault on Person in Certain Occupations, two counts of Reckless Driving, three counts of speeding, and Interference with Official Acts, Eluding, Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicle, an Improper Lane Change, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Attempted Murder is a class B felony, and Assault on Persons in Certain Occupations is a class D felony.