Law enforcement have arrested an armed robbery suspect near the village of Lawrence.
Van Buren County Sheriff Daniel E Abbott reports that on Thursday, a deputy was on patrol near the Village of Lawrence when a vehicle with multiple traffic violations and the driver wearing a ski mask in 80-degree weather drove by.
The Deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop but the driver fled South on 54th Street.
The vehicle continued to not stop and traveled West on Red Arrow Highway to 62nd Street. Then back East on Red Arrow Highway and North on County Road 681. The driver lost control at the intersection of County Road 681 and 42nd Ave. The suspect driver immediately fled on foot but was apprehended within minutes.
A female passenger stayed in the vehicle and was taken into custody without issue. The Driver was identified as Johnathan Ethell. Ethell was wanted on multiple Felony Warrants including Armed Robbery and Burglary. The Passenger Morgan Mcgaw was arrested on multiple warrants as well including Failure to Appear. The flee and elude, resist and obstruct, possession of a sawed-off shotgun and possession of narcotics complaint will be submitted to the Van Buren County Prosecutor’s Office for review of charges. This incident is still under investigation.
