KEOKUK, Iowa — Police in southeast Iowa say a man stole a dump truck and led officers on a chase that left two cars wrecked and several headstones damaged at a cemetery.

Keokuk Police identified the suspect as Joseph Leeper, 48, of Keokuk.

Leeper is now charged with first-degree theft, third-degree burglary (second offense), escape (second or subsequent offense), driving without a license and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He also received 23 tickets for traffic violations.

Investigators said the chain of events began shortly before 8:30 p.m. Monday when a Keokuk police officer observed Leeper erratically driving a dump truck pulling a trailer with an excavator.

They said the truck was swerving between lanes.

The officer tried to stop Leeper, but he fled.

At one point the driver skidded, causing the trailer and excavator to come loose.

When the heavy machine crashed onto two parked cars, it completely destroyed them.

The pursuit continued to Oakland Cemetery, where police say Leeper collided with several gravestones before patrol cars were able to cut him off and end the pursuit.

The suspect was arrested without further incident.

No one was injured during the ordeal.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional information about the incident is asked to call Keokuk Police at 319-524-2741.