(Pottawattamie County, Iowa) – A federal fugitive was captured Monday night (July 11), by Council Bluffs Police. Authorities say 59-year-old Keven Spanel was released by a federal judge on a medical furlough on July 6th. Upon his return at around noon that day, he exited his friend’s vehicle near the Pottawattamie County Jail and ran into a nearby cornfield.

According to U.S. Marshal’s office, Council Bluffs police were responding to a report of a woman screaming near the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge and upon arrival, received a tip that Spanel was there. Spanel attempted to run, but surrendered after having nowhere to go, according to authorities. He was arrested for eluding a police officer and interference with official acts and is back in custody of the US Marshals, according to authorities.

Keven Spanel

Spanel was initially charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.