On February 8th, 2024, at 8:50 AM, a Fort Madison officer attempted to stop a pickup truck in a westside residential neighborhood for an equipment violation. The driver abruptly fled, emerging onto Business 61 without stopping, and accelerating wildly. It was observed weaving through traffic as it traveled westbound, attaining an estimated 80 MPH, and continuing for another 5 blocks before losing control. Subsequently the truck overturned in a parking lot and struck two unoccupied vehicles. The driver emerged from the vehicle, apparently uninjured, and was immediately apprehended.
Ronald Edwin Stegall, age 62, of Fort Madison was charged with Eluding, Possession of Methamphetamine, a probation warrant, and multiple traffic offenses. He was initially taken to the Fort Madison hospital for examination before incarceration at the Lee County Jail. The damaged vehicles were removed from the scene. Fort Madison Fire and Lee County EMS assisted.
The public is reminded that charges are an accusation of a criminal act, and that persons arrested are presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law.