RURAL PALO ALTO COUNTY, IOWA – An armed, “paranoid” trucker was pursued by police in Palo Alto county before being arrested early Wednesday morning.
At 5:06 AM on February 21, 2018, the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office was called to the intersection of 280th Street and 380th Avenue for a report of a semi livestock trucker that appeared to be suffering from paranoia. A Palo Alto County Deputy engaged in conversation with the suspect while he was in the semi tractor. During the exchange, the deputy observed a handgun sitting on the passenger’s seat. The deputy disengaged contact with the semi driver due to the drivers aggressive movements. The semi driver, later identified as 31-year-old Joshua Rosberg of Charter Oak, Iowa, proceeded westbound on 280th Street in the semi tractor while pulling the livestock trailer with the deputy in pursuit. During the pursuit 2 oncoming vehicles were nearly run off the road by Rosburg.
The pursuit continued to the 3600 block of 340th Street where the semi came to a stop.
Rosburg was given commands by the deputy to exit the vehicle. A residence nearby was evacuated for the safety of the 3 occupants. After an hour stand off, Rosburg exited his semi tractor and was taken into custody. A firearm was seized from the scene that belonged to Rosberg.
Rosburg was charged with carrying weapons = aggravated misdemeanor, possession of drug paraphernalia = simple misdemeanor, failure to comply with safety regulation rules = simple misdemeanor, stopping on paved part of highway = simple misdemeanor, driving on wrong side of two way highway = simple misdemeanor, failure to yield to emergency vehicle = simple misdemeanor, and reckless driving = a simple misdemeanor. An investigation into operating under the influence of drugs was conducted and additional charges are pending.
The Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office, Emmet County Conservation, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Estherville Police Department, Emmetsburg Police Department, Iowa Department of Transportation Office of Motor Vehicle Enforcement, the Iowa State Patrol, Multi Agency Response Team (MART), and the Palo Alto County Ambulance Service.
