Marshalltown man arrested after leading high speed chase, crashing through cemetery fence
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A Marshalltown man was arrested on Tuesday morning after allegedly leading a high speed chase that reached speeds of over 100 miles per hour, crashing through a fence at Riverside Cemetery and driving almost all the way to Albion and back before finally being apprehended.
According to a press release from the Marshalltown Police Department, an officer attempted to stop a vehicle for an equipment violation in the 100 block of South 2nd Street at approximately 9:15 a.m, but the driver, later identified as 20-year-old Alexis Garcia Vazquez, fled at a high rate of speed as the traffic stop was initiated.
About five minutes later, officers learned that the fleeing vehicle had crashed through a fence at Riverside Cemetery, and Garcia Vazquez was driving inside the cemetery. Officers surrounded the area, and the driver attempted to flee again, ramming and crashing through another Riverside Cemetery fence and driving out of town.
The driver then fled northbound out of Marshalltown in excess of 100 miles per hour, and a short time later, the pursuit was again terminated.
At approximately 9:37 a.m., the vehicle was located again as deputies tried to stop it near Albion. The vehicle again attempted to flee at speeds in excess of 100 mph. Officers from both agencies continued to pursue the vehicle as it returned to Marshalltown.
Once Garcia Vazquez returned to town, deflation devices were deployed in an attempt to disable the vehicle. After driving over the deflation devices, the car continued at a high rate of speed, striking the rear-end of another vehicle driving on the roadway. The suspect continued to flee the scene of the crash and drove a short distance, where the driver got out on foot and ran from the scene. He was then apprehended a short distance from his vehicle without further incident.
Garcia Vazquez was charged with three counts of eluding and one count of second degree criminal mischief, each a Class D felony, interference with official acts, a simple misdemeanor, and numerous simple misdemeanor traffic offenses. He is being held at the Marshall County Jail on a $25,967.40 bond.
The Riverside Cemetery official Facebook page issued a statement about the incident on Tuesday afternoon.
"We are grateful to report that no headstones, monuments, or gravesites were damaged during this incident. Our staff has already completed a temporary repair to the damaged fencing, and permanent repairs will be scheduled as soon as possible. We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to our grounds staff for their quick response and professionalism, as well as to the Marshalltown Police Department for their efforts in bringing this situation to a safe resolution," it reads in part. "Thank you for your concern, support, and understanding as we address the damage and continue our daily operations. Riverside Cemetery remains open to visitors."