Second robbery suspect arrested after hourslong search

COLUMBUS JUNCTION — Louisa County law enforcement said Wednesday afternoon they’d apprehended the second of two suspects for an armed robbery at Best Western Motel in Mt. Pleasant the night prior, following an hourslong search that closed schools in Columbus Junction.

Officials said they’d arrested the first of two suspects, Marquise Rushin, in Columbus Junction Tuesday night as he drove through the area, but did not catch the car’s passenger, Calvin Williams, who they say ran from the scene.

A news release from the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office said deputies pursued Williams with drones, K-9 units and assistance from several area police departments until the search led to a Main Street business shortly after 6 a.m. Deputies believed the man was barricaded inside at the time, but he again allegedly fled the scene, this time through a back door.

Another search ensued, until a caller reported Williams knocking on a residential door to “sign for a package” Wednesday afternoon, without any package in-hand. Police then pursued the man into a nearby apartment building on Walnut Street, where he was found hiding in a closet, according to a Facebook post from the department which said he was treated for "a minor cut from breaking a window“ and arrested.

Williams is charged in Louisa County with two counts of interference, criminal mischief and trespassing, and is expected to face charges for robbery in Mt. Pleasant as well, according to the news release.

“The Louisa County Sheriff’s Office wishes to sincerely thank the multiple agencies on scene, our amazing Dispatchers that assisted, as well as the amazing response from citizens who were vigilant in apprehending these suspects and keeping their communities safe,” Louisa County Chief Deputy Brandon Marquardt said in a statement.