A Wisconsin man was arrested in Adel Wednesday afternoon after failing to outrun an Iowa State Patrol Trooper in an apparent attempt to distance himself from the large quantity of marijuana in his car.
James Howard Engh, 38, of 128 1/2 S. Water St., Sparta, Wisconsin, was charged with eluding, controlled substance violation and failure to affix drug stamp.
The incident began about 2:45 p.m. Wednesday on 360th Street near M Lane in rural Dallas County, where an Iowa State Patrol Trooper attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a 2021 Kia Forte with Minnesota plates.
The driver of the Kia, Engh, did not stop but rather “accelerated to 134 mph in a 55 mph zone,” according to court records.
A pursuit ensued, and Engh continued westward and then northward toward Adel, running several stop signs and avoiding stop sticks placed by county law enforcement, according to court records.
At length Engh stopped the vehicle outside an Adel apartment complex at S. 14th and Greene streets and fled on foot. He was taken into custody after a brief foot chase.
A probable-cause search of the Kia disclosed about 10 pounds of marijuana “in a duffle bag on the floor board and center console,” according to court records.
Engh is held in the Dallas County Jail on a $10,000 cash or surety bond. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing April 15 in Dallas County District Court.
*A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
You buried the lede! Kia Forte reaches speeds of 134 MPH! Honda Civics are jealous.