Former Royal Man Arrested After Alleged Carjacking, Robbery

Following a police pursuit and crash, a former Royal man was arrested early this morning after allegedly stealing a vehicle and firing shots at the victim.

Adam Carlson, 36, of Omaha and formerly of Royal, has been identified as the man responsible for an armed robbery and carjacking where several shots were fired at the victim, according to a press release from the Stanton County Sheriff's Department. The incident allegedly occurred on Tuesday evening near Loveland, Iowa.

"Carlson was pursued at that time by Iowa authorities into Omaha, where he fled on foot from near 13th and Cass and was not located," the release stated. "A female accomplice was arrested at that time for robbery."

At about 2:40 a.m. Thursday, a second pursuit began in Norfolk when an SUV was observed speeding. It was then found to have fictitious plates when a Madison County deputy attempted to stop the vehicle on East Omaha Avenue.    

​The driver refused to stop the vehicle and entered Stanton County on Highway 275 where the Stanton County Sheriff’s office also became involved in the pursuit.

The SUV continued east on Highway 275 and then turned south onto Highway 57. As the SUV neared Stanton, tire deflation spikes were deployed on the highway by the sheriff’s office. The SUV struck the spikes and continued into Stanton.

"The vehicle continued south on 10th Street as its tires disintegrated, driving through the Stanton trailer court and onto private property, before the SUV  drove into a tree and a deep creek ravine," the release stated. "The lone driver fled on foot into the creek and was taken into custody about 10 minutes later as he was found hiding along the creek by members of the Stanton and Madison County Sheriff’s office."

Carlson was medically-cleared by EMS at the scene and jailed. He was wanted on a felony warrant for absconding parole, and now faces numerous charges, including Speeding, Willful Reckless Driving and felony Operation of a Motor Vehicle to Avoid Arrest-2nd offense and Habitual Criminal. Carlson now also faces felony charges in Iowa.

"Electronic equipment found in the SUV is being checked to determine if it is stolen," the release said. "Carlson was in prison on his last sentence on theft and weapons charges out of Holt County. The SUV Carlson was driving is considered a total loss."