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Urbandale Man Arrested After High-Speed Chase in Guthrie County
Suspect reached speeds up to 113 mph before being apprehended with help from neighboring county deputies
Published on Feb. 9, 2026
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An Urbandale man was arrested early Sunday morning following a high-speed chase that reached speeds of up to 113 mph through Guthrie and Audubon counties in western Iowa. The 42-year-old suspect, Lee Pickrel, was charged with multiple offenses including eluding, drug possession, and a pending OWI charge.
Why it matters
High-speed pursuits pose significant risks to public safety, and this incident highlights the need for close coordination between law enforcement agencies to safely apprehend suspects and protect local communities. Substance abuse issues are also a contributing factor in many such cases.
The details
According to the Guthrie County Sheriff's Office, a deputy observed Pickrel's Ford Bronco traveling at a high rate of speed on Highway 44 around 12:12 a.m. When the deputy activated their lights and sirens, Pickrel fled westbound, leading to a pursuit that reached speeds up to 113 mph. The chase continued into Audubon County, where deputies there were able to deploy spike strips to help terminate the pursuit near the town of Hamlin. Pickrel was then taken into custody without further incident.
- The pursuit began around 12:12 a.m. on Sunday, February 9, 2026.
- The chase reached speeds up to 113 mph.
- The pursuit was terminated near Hamlin, Iowa in Audubon County.
The players
Lee Pickrel
A 42-year-old man from Urbandale, Iowa who was arrested following the high-speed chase.
Guthrie County Sheriff's Office
The law enforcement agency that initiated the pursuit of Pickrel's vehicle.
Audubon County Sheriff's Office
The neighboring county's law enforcement agency that assisted in apprehending Pickrel by deploying spike strips.
What they’re saying
“The Guthrie County Sheriff's Office appreciates the help and assistance from our great partners, the Audubon County Sheriff's Office, Audubon Police Department, Shelby County Sheriff's Office and Audubon County EMS.”
— Guthrie County Sheriff's Office (westerniowatoday.com)
What’s next
Pickrel will be held in the Guthrie County Jail pending the results of lab tests that will determine if he will face an additional Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) charge.
The takeaway
This high-speed chase underscores the dangers that reckless driving and substance abuse can pose to public safety, and the importance of strong coordination between law enforcement agencies to apprehend suspects and protect local communities.
