Centerville chase ends in Seymour shooting

CENTERVILLE — Officials are investigating a shooting on school property in Seymour that followed a chase involving Centerville authorities.

The chase started at 11:30 p.m. Wednesday when the Centerville police tried to stop a vehicle on suspicion of drunken driving. The driver fled. Police continued the chase from Centerville to Seymour on County Road J46.

Police in Seymour used “stop sticks” devices that are thrown on a road in front of a vehicle to puncture its tires. They punctured the vehicle’s front left tire, but apparently failed to stop it.

An Iowa State Patrol trooper caught up with the vehicle at the Seymour Community School. The driver then attempted to escape, striking the patrol car. The trooper responded by firing his gun into the car, striking the driver.

The driver was taken to a Des Moines hospital. His condition is unknown.

The school district cancelled classes Thursday because of the shooting.

The trooper is on paid administrative leave pending an investigation. Such a step is common following a shooting.

The Appanoose County Sheriff’s Department and the Seymour and Corydon police departments were also involved in the incident.