DES MOINES, Iowa — One man was arrested on Friday following a police pursuit through the city eventually ending near Indianola.

According to the Des Moines Police Department, just before 3 p.m. on Friday a DMPD patrol officer spotted Brandon Gerke, 30, driving near East 9th Street and East University Avenue. Following a February theft investigation, officers had been trying to arrest Gerke on an active felony arrest warrant.

Officers attempted to stop Gerke, Gerke refused to stop and began a lengthy pursuit through the city, eventually heading south into Warren County. During the chase, Gerke left the roadway and drove through a gold course.

The Iowa State Patrol Air Wing monitored the movement of the vehicle from the air and assisted in coordinating a ground unit response.

At approximately 3:30 p.m., Gerke crashed the vehicle in a rural area northwest of Indianola. Gerke fled the vehicle and proceeded to enter a dense wooded area on foot.

Officers from several agencies secured a perimeter and search team, including a DMPD K-9, and began the search for Gerke. The Indianola Police Department provided drone surveillance over the scene during the search.

Just before 5 p.m., a DMPD patrol officer located Gerke hidden in a bush. Gerke surrendered into custody without incident and is charged with the following offenses,

• Eluding
• Criminal Mischief Second-Degree
• Theft 2nd – Warrant
• Interference with Official Acts

The Des Moines Police Department was assisted by the Iowa State Patrol, Warren County Sheriff’s Office, the Indianola and Norwalk Police Departments, and 5th Judicial District – Fugitive Unit during this investigation.