A Jefferson man accused of firing at a passing vehicle on Monday now faces multiple felony charges, including attempted murder, following a high-speed chase early Tuesday morning. At approximately 2:49 a.m., the Jefferson Police Department received a report of a stolen vehicle and firearms from the 1200 block of South Mulberry Street. Officers identified the suspect as 25-year-old Zachary A. Waters-Rice and found him about a half-hour later operating the stolen vehicle. Law enforcement attempted a traffic stop, but Waters-Rice fled south out of town, eventually losing authorities in southern Greene County. Prior to the pursuit, authorities allege Waters-Rice had confronted a Jefferson woman at her residence and pointed a gun at her boyfriend. Nearly three hours later, officers found the stolen vehicle back in the 1200 block of Mulberry Street. The Jefferson Police Department, with assistance from the Greene County Sheriff’s Office and Iowa State Patrol, entered the home’s garage and located the suspect inside. At approximately 6:59 a.m., Waters-Rice was taken into custody and transported to the Greene County Law Enforcement Center. He is charged with attempted murder, a class B felony, going armed with intent, control of a firearm by a domestic abuser, class D felonies, use of a dangerous weapon in the commission of a crime, operation of a motor vehicle without owner’s consent, assault while displaying a dangerous weapon, and eluding, aggravated misdemeanors, and a multitude of traffic violations. Waters-Rice is being held on a $55,000 cash bond.
