Tragic end to Spencer vehicle chase

A pursuit through Spencer on Nov. 19 resulted in property damage and the eventual death of the driver being chased.

According to the Clay County Sheriff's Office, a deputy attempted to stop a stolen vehicle near the intersection of 11th Street SW and 11th Ave. SW. The driver of the 1998 Chevrolet pickup was identified as Andrew Phillips, 30, of Spirit Lake. Phillips failed to stop for law enforcement and continued driving through the city limits.

He is reported to have displayed a firearm and discharged it one time outside the vehicle window. Phillips drove through the construction zone at Spencer Hospital in the 100 block of East 11th Street, causing significant property damage. He continued until he reached the parking lot of First Christian Church on East 18th Street, where he took his life in the vehicle.

Spencer Hospital, Spencer Middle School and the church were placed under lockdown during the incident as a precaution. Spencer Police Department, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa State Patrol, Spencer Fire, Spencer Ambulance and the Clay County Medical Examiner's Office assisted the sheriff's office.

Memorial services for Phillips are scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7, in Fairfield.