Mt. Pleasant teen arrested after chase through city limits

MT. PLEASANT — Tylor Ward, 18 of Mt. Pleasant, was taken into custody by the Mt. Pleasant Police Department Saturday, Jan. 4 following a high-speed chase within city limits.

At approximately 2:18 a.m. Mt. Pleasant Police attempted a traffic stop on a silver 2015 Kia Sedona. Mt. Pleasant Officer Josh Beelman stated in a criminal report filed with Iowa Courts during regular patrol in a clearly marked police vehicle he observed the vehicle in the 200 block of North Iris Street driving in an erratic manner.

“I made a U-turn and followed the vehicle where we observed the vehicle continue to cross the center line and change speeds as it traveled westbound on Mapleleaf Dr. I attempted to make a traffic stop on the vehicle in the 1100 block of E Mapleleaf Dr. at which time the vehicle swerved and struck the north curb and continued west before finally stopping in the middle of the above intersection,” Beelman said.

The report goes on to state that as Beelman and Sergeant John Body approached the vehicle and made their presence known, “the defendant spun the tires aggressively and fled west bound at a high rate of speed. I pursued the vehicle and activated my sirens, my lights already being activated from the traffic stop.”

Ward reached more than 60 miles per hour in the 25 miles per hour zone on Mapleleaf Drive. He then proceeded to Lombardy Road, Cedar Street, Cherry Street, Henry Street, Brazelton Street, then finally “recklessly turning west on Madison Street and striking a parked vehicle.”

Reports state that Ward then fled on foot through yards until he was taken into custody. Both vehicles sustained disabling damage from the collision totaling an estimated $5000.

Following the traffic stop and chase through Mt. Pleasant, statements from Beelman claim that Ward did not have permission to operate the Sedona. Additionally, while searching the impounded Sedona officials found two unopened bottles of liquor. Observation of security footage from Casey’s gas station showed Ward taking the bottles without paying at approximately 2:13 a.m. These were valued at $67.98.

Ward was charged with Criminal mischief, 2nd degree, Class D felony, Eluding — speed 25 over limit, Class D felony, Operating Vehicle without owner’s consent, aggravated misdemeanor, Theft — fifth degree, simple misdemeanor, and Interference with Official Acts, simple misdemeanor.

He also received multiple traffic citations including use electronic communication device — age 18 or above which comes with a $106.75 price tag and driving without a valid driver’s license costing him $354.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is innocent until proven guilty.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com