Keokuk man leads KPD on chase after reported theft

KEOKUK - Keokuk Police arrested a Keokuk man after a brief chase Thursday afternoon eminating from Walmart.
At approximately 1:06 p.m., Keokuk Police officers were dispatched to Walmart at 300 N. Park Drive in reference to a theft. Upon the arrival of a Keokuk police officer, a silver Jeep occupied by one person fled the parking lot at a high rate of speed.
The officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop on the Jeep. The driver of the Jeep refused to stop, committing multiple traffic violations while leading the officer on a pursuit outside of the city limits. The pursuit reached speeds over 85 miles per hour and lasted approximately six minutes.
The driver would stop the vehicle on a private drive near the end of Iowa Road, fleeing on foot into a wooded area. After a short foot pursuit, the subject was taken into custody without further incident.
The on-duty Fort Madison Police Department K9 unit was requested and responded to the scene. The K9 unit alerted on the vehicle, and a probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted. Once the search was complete, the vehicle was towed from the scene.
Eric J. Reid, 48, of Keokuk, was arrested and charged with eluding, a felony, and Theft 5th Degree, a simple misdemeanor. Reid was also cited for multiple traffic infractions.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Fort Madison Police Department also contributed to this investigation.
Polide Chief Zeth Baum encouraged the public to contact police with any additional information regarding this event or any other criminal activity.
"The community plays a large role in helping our department suppress crime and keep our community safe. You can reach our department through our social media (Facebook Messenger), the LeeComm dispatch center (319-372-1310), Lee County Crime Stoppers, calling our department directly (319-524-2741), or coming to the police department in person (1222 Johnson Street, Keokuk).