Property damage, injury and drugs described in New London Police chase

NEW LONDON — Court documents reveal more information about the police pursuit of Joshua Helmick, of Norwalk, in New London, Friday Feb. 17.

Shortly after 8 a.m., a Henry County Sheriff’s officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop of Helmick’s Tahoe near the intersection of West Thompson Street and South Pine Street.

According to criminal complaints written by Officer Scott Bell, “Helmick failed to yield to visual emergency lights and audible sirens, and drove through a field. Helmick continued through the field and destroyed fence(s) as he was eluding from law enforcement.”

After returning to the paved roadway, Helmick encountered a New London Police squad car.

“Helmick drove the vehicle through a different field where he destroyed another fence(s) and wrecked, where the vehicle finally came to rest on its passenger side,” Bell’s report states.

The collision with fences caused an estimated $750-$1,500 worth of damage which led to officers charging Helmick with criminal mischief in the third degree.

According to the criminal complaint, after wrecking his vehicle, Helmick led officers on a foot pursuit in which New London Police Chief Wilka sustained minor injuries to his leg.

Once apprehended, officers found Helmick possessed a substance which appeared to be methamphetamine.

Currently, Helmick remains at Henry County Jail with a bond set at $8,000 cash.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com