A Keokuk man is facing several felony charges after allegedly boarding the U.S. Coast Guard vessel at the riverfront. According to the Keokuk Police Department, Brian Paul Gillham, 37, has been charged with second degree burglary, a class C felony, first degree criminal mischief, a class C felony, possession of burglars tools, an aggravated misdemeanor, possession of marijuana, a serious misdemeanor, interference with official acts, a simple misdemeanor and trespassing a simple misdemeanor. The police department at 12:33 a.m., officers were dispatched to the Coast Guard Depot at 221 Mississippi Drive for the report of an unidentified person boarding the Coast Guard vessel. The report goes on to allege Gillham damaged property and attempted to steal a smaller boat that was attached to the Coast Guard’s vessel. Officers went on a short foot pursuit with Gillham along the bank of the Mississippi River before Gillham jumped into the water. Officers would follow him into the river and them placed him under arrest without further incident. Gillham was then taken to the Lee County Jail to await a court appearance. The most serious of the charges, the class C felonies, carry a maximum punishment of up to 10 years in prison and fines between $1,370 and $13,660.
