Smith

Bryan Kenneth Smith, Jr., 33, of Marshalltown was arrested after attempting to flee Marshalltown Police Department officers on Thursday morning.

While officers were moving a mobile speed enforcement trailer in the 800 block of May Street when they observed a vehicle driving toward them erratically, traveling 75 mph in a 25 mph zone.

MPD officers immediately attempted to stop the vehicle. The driver, Smith, exited the vehicle and ran. He was found, taken into custody and has been charged with a first offense of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Smith was taken to the Marshall County Jail and was released on a promise to appear in court at a later date. The charges against Smith remain accusations, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

“This incident clearly shows the value of speed enforcement cameras and the need for them,” said Chief Mike Tupper. “Speeding is a national epidemic. High speeds are becoming the norm. Speeding is a critical public safety issue and we need to leverage technology to our advantage to combat this problem. We are thankful officers were able to apprehend this offender and nobody was injured due to the driver’s reckless behavior.”