Fayette County, Iowa – A 39-year-old Iowa man was arrested after a 20-mile chase in Fayette County, triggering felony charges.
According to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, deputies received a report at approximately 8:08 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, of a suspicious person in the 300 block of I Avenue in Elgin. Around 8:20 p.m., a deputy located a vehicle matching the description in the 16000 block of I Avenue.
Authorities said the deputy attempted a traffic stop after observing a traffic violation. The driver allegedly failed to stop, leading deputies on a pursuit that spanned approximately 20 miles before the vehicle was stopped and the suspect taken into custody.
Investigators later determined the vehicle had been reported stolen, according to the sheriff’s office.
Jacob Allan Hirlchs, 39, of Onslow, Iowa, was arrested and transported to the Fayette County Jail. He was charged with Eluding — Speed 25+ Over Limit (D Felony), Theft 2nd Degree (D Felony), Reckless Driving, and Interference with Official Acts (Simple Misdemeanor).
The incident remains under investigation, and authorities said additional charges may be filed.
Pursuits on rural roadways can disrupt evening travel for commuters and shift workers in the area.
The sheriff’s office has not released additional details about what prompted the initial suspicious person report.
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