Buffalo, Iowa police are investigating after a report of a robbery on Friday, March 18th at 7:15 p.m. in the 11800 block of S. Utah Ave. in Buffalo, IA.

The suspect, identified as Barry P. Bennett Jr., was being transported to Country Oaks facility by a Muscatine County Sheriff’s Office transport officer. Bennett escaped the transport vehicle by breaking out the rear window. Bennett entered the front passenger seat of the vehicle and assaulted the officer. Bennett fought with the officer and gained control of the vehicle keys. 

Bennett led the Buffalo Police Department on a vehicle pursuit into Muscatine County. The Muscatine County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Muscatine Police Department and the Iowa State Patrol assisted in the pursuit which ended in the 1900 block of Hwy 38, in Muscatine County.

Bennett has been charged with robbery 2nd degree, theft 1stdegree, felony eluding, assault on a jail officer with injury, operating while intoxicated 1st offense, and driving while license suspended.

The officer assaulted sustained minor injuries.