Two arrested on charges of armed robbery

MT. PLEASANT — A late night robbery at Best Western Motel in Mt. Pleasant lead to a manhunt in Columbus Junction into the afternoon the following day.

According to the Mt. Pleasant Police Department, they received notice of an armed robbery at approximately 11:21 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5 at the motel.

“Upon arrival, officers were informed by witnesses that one offender had walked in with a gun demanding money,” the criminal complaint filed with Henry County Courts states. “Money was then given to the subject.”

Information from eyewitness testimony helped identify the suspects vehicle and the offenders.

According to a news release from Mt. Pleasant Police Department, the suspects fled Best Western northbound.

Louisa County Sgt. Ed Parker located the black 2023 Nissan Sentra, later verified as the same vehicle by witnesses, and conducted a felony stop.

While both the driver and passenger fled the scene, authorities quickly apprehended the driver Marquise Rushin, 28, of Chicago.

The passenger in the vehicle, however, was not immediately located and a manhunt ensued in the Columbus Junction area.

Louisa County Sheriff’s Office released a warning for Louisa County residents, specifically those in the Columbus Junction area.

“Earlier this evening a traffic stop was performed by our department at the area of Hwy. 92/Eastern Access Road in Columbus Junction,” the announcement stated. “ … One male was detained and turned over to the Mt. Pleasant PD while the other male took off on foot from the scene. A perimeter was established in the area and a search for the subject was done using K-9 and a drone.”

They informed the public that they had not yet found the male subject and warned them to lock their homes and vehicles.

“If you see the said subject call it in right away do not attempt to approach,” the statement said.

Louisa County Sheriff’s Office described the passenger as a Black male approximately six feet tall wearing a blue and white shirt, blue and white shorts, and possibly armed.

Initially, Columbus Junction Community Schools announced a school delay for the day stating, “School will not begin until we get the ‘all clear’ from the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office,” but as the hunt continued, the district canceled classes for the day at 10 a.m.

“The safety of our students and staff is our number one priority,” the school district stated. “Please remain vigilant, continue to hunker down, and be safe.”

Approximately two hours later, Louisa County Sheriff’s Office announced the apprehension of the second suspect, Calvin A. Williams, 34, of Chicago.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com