BLOOMFIELD —
James Paul Smith, 41, of Unionville, Ia., was involved a high speed motorcycle pursuit with Bloomfield Police before crashing into a ditch Wednesday evening.
Officials say the chase began in Bloomfield when police attempted to stop Smith for a warrant and driving while barred. Smith then ran off traveling west on Highway 2 at a "high rate of speed" said Bloomfield Police Chief Shawn Armstrong via telephone Thursday afternoon.
Armstrong said Smith turned northbound on Driftwood Boulevard, a gravel road. Armstrong said officers had just started backing off from the pursuit due to lack of visibility from the dust when they found Smith had crashed into a ditch.
Armstrong said Smith was treated for bumps and bruises. He was charged with eluding in addition to driving while barred.
Smith is currently being held in the Bloomfield Jail.
According to online court records, Smith has had several cases against him in both Appanoose and Davis Counties.
Smith has been charged with a number of serious misdemeanors in Davis County this year, including charges for harassment by communication, a third degree harassment, a disorderly conduct, driving while suspended/canceled/revoked, violation of a no contact or protection order, trespassing and interference with official acts.
In Appanoose County, Smith was charged with two counts of stalking, one a felony D and another an aggravated misdemeanor, driving while barred and probation violation in a case from June 1997.
Smith was found guilty and fined $500 for the first count of stalking, which was dropped to an aggravated misdemeanor. The second count of stalking and the driving while bared charge were dismissed. He was ordered to community service for 9,999 hours of community service as well as two years of prison, according to online court records.
Southeast Iowa
High speed motorcycle pursuit draws Bloomfield police
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