A Cresco man will get probation after leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase this past summer with his 15-month-old daughter in tow.
On August 3rd, the Howard County Sheriff’s Office began the initial chase of 35-year-old Steven Wildman after receiving a report of a stolen truck pulling a trailer full of scrap metal. The pursuit reached speeds of 80 to 90 miles per hour before Wildman drove into the Turkey River Wildlife Area. The pursuing squad car got stuck in the mud and Wildman continued to flee.
The truck Wildman stole was eventually found abandoned and out of fuel, but Cresco Police joined in the pursuit and later arrested Wildman while he was trying to steal a SUV parked along Highway 9. Officers say they found Wildman’s 15-month-old daughter in the vehicle.
Wildman has pleaded guilty to second-degree theft, eluding, third-degree burglary, and child endangerment. He has been ordered to spend two to five years on supervised probation.
Court records also show that Wildman was arrested last month in Riceville and charged with possession of methamphetamine and is scheduled to stand trial on January 4, 2023.
