Suspect arrested after high-speed chase near Fairfield

FAIRFIELD — A man was arrested near Fairfield Wednesday night after allegedly leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase.

Sean Frost, 22, of Parkville, Missouri, was arrested at about 7:30 p.m. that night in a wooded area south of Fairfield. Lt. Dean Jalas of the Iowa State Patrol said Frost was discovered by the Henry County Sheriff’s K-9 unit, which is led by Henry County Deputy Scott Bell and his dog Axel.

Jalas said U.S. Marshals had been searching for Frost in connection to a shooting in Kansas City. The marshals found Jalas earlier that day in Burlington, and sent out communication requesting that a marked squad car stop him.

According to Jalas, Frost was driving west on Highway 34 at about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday when two Iowa State Troopers attempted to stop him. He said that, even before they turned on their lights and sirens, Frost was traveling about 120 miles per hour.

“I think he knew he was being followed by marshals,” Jalas said.

When Frost approached the exit for Fairfield near Heartland Coop, he pulled his vehicle to the side of the road and fled on foot, Jalas said.

“He jumped the fence and started running south through bean fields,” Jalas said.

Jalas said law enforcement recovered a hand gun in the field they believe Frost left there. Frost allegedly attempted to gain access to a garage and a vehicle on Middle Glasgow Road, a cul-de-sac that branches off from Glasgow Road on the east edge of Fairfield.

At 6:34 p.m., Jefferson County Alerts sent out an alert to Fairfield residents concerning the pursuit.

“Please remove keys from vehicle and secure buildings/residence,” the alert read. “Law enforcement are currently looking for Wanted Subject in the 2300 Blk Middle Glasgow Rd.”

At 7:27 p.m., Jefferson County Alerts sent a follow-up message indicating the wanted subject was found and was no longer a threat to the public.

“Please remember to still remove keys from vehicle and buildings/residence,” the alert read.

Jalas said the Iowa State Patrol used one of its airplanes equipped with infrared detection to search for Frost among the fields and forests in the area.

“It uses thermal imaging to look for heat signatures, so our aircraft can then direct our officers to that area,” Jalas said.

Jalas said Henry County’s K-9 unit was responsible for locating Frost, who was taken into custody without incident.

Jalas said Frost will be charged with eluding, reckless driving, felony interference, speeding and likely more charges related to his firearm. He was sent to the Jefferson County Jail. Jalas said he expects the U.S. Marshals to request his extradition to Kansas City.

Law enforcement organizations involved in the pursuit included the Iowa State Patrol, U.S. Marshals, Jefferson County and Henry County Sheriff’s Offices, Fairfield Police Department, and Iowa Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Enforcement.

Jefferson County Sheriff Bart Richmond said his office had its drone flying overhead, looking for the suspect as well. The sheriff’s office has two members trained as pilots who can fly the drone, Chief Deputy Jerry Marcellus and Deputy Rusty Simpson.

Richmond said his department has used the drone on multiple searches since acquiring it about five years ago. Most recently, the sheriff’s office used it to look for a missing person near the Jefferson County Health Center earlier this month, and employed it at an accident scene in a corn field.

Residents who would like to receive emergency alerts through phone calls, texts or emails are invited to sign up for the free service by going to alert.iowa.gov, where they will be directed to enter their county and the method through which they’d like to be notified of weather and other emergency alerts.

Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com