On February 17, 2023, at approximately 8:13AM, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle in New London, Iowa, The vehicle fled and a brief pursuit ensued, before the vehicle was lost upon driving off the roadway, through fields. At approximately 8:16AM, the New London Police Department located the vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed through New London and another brief pursuit ensued. The vehicle then intentionally left the roadway, driving through fields again, before crashing through fences.
The driver fled on foot and was apprehended a short time later. Joshua Helmick, of Norwalk, was identified as the driver of the vehicle. Helmick was subsequently arrested and charged with Eluding (class D felony), Interference with Official Acts (serious misdemeanor), Criminal Mischief (aggravated misdemeanor) and Failure to Maintain Control (simple misdemeanor).
The Henry County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the New London Police Department and Mount Pleasant Police Department.