CITY OF INDIANOLA POLICE DEPARTMENT___

Brian Sher
Chief of Police

Integrity Professionalism Dedication

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 21, 2023

On Friday, August 18th, 2023 at 11:17 hrs. the Indianola Police Department received multiple reports
of a green, Jeep Cherokee driving recklessly in residential neighborhoods, almost striking a person,
and almost striking four children in a different neighborhood.

Indianola Officers observed the vehicle in the 900 blk. of E. 2nd Ave., traveling in excess of the
posted speed limit and attempted to perform a traffic stop. The driver failed to pull over and a
pursuit of the vehicle was initiated. The pursuit was ended at Fort Des Moines and the driver was
taken into custody. The driver was identified as 38 year old, Benjamin James Royer of Des Moines.
He was transported to a medical facility following the chase due to a minor, self-inflicted injury.
After receiving treatment, he was taken to the Warren County Jail.

Indianola Detectives conducted an investigation into Royer’s driving prior to the pursuit and spoke
with witnesses who observed him driving.

Benjamin James Royer was charged with the following;

Attempted Murder (3 counts)
Assault with a dangerous weapon (4 counts)
Assault on Persons in Certain Occupations (2 counts)
Interference with Official Acts
Eluding
Reckless Driving (2 counts)
Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicle
Speeding (3 counts)
Improper Lane Change
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless
proven guilty in a court of law.

Contact: Sergeant Brad Metcalf

515-961-9400

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110 North First • P.O. Box 299 • Indianola, Iowa 50125

(515) 961-9400 • Fax (515) 961-9450 • Emergency 911
www.indianolaiowa.gov • bsher@indianolaiowa.gov