Hunter
06/21/20
An Iowa City man faces several charges for allegedly leading police on a chase after police saw him driving without his seatbelt on.
According to arrest reports, 36-year-old Solomon Xayabath of Century Street was observed committing the violation Friday night at approximately 8:12 near South Scott Boulevard and Muscatine Avenue. Police say Xayabath took off at a high rate of speed in attempt to keep from getting stopped, allegedly crossing the center line several times.
Xayabath failed to yield to lights and sirens from the pursuing squad car, reportedly reaching speeds of 80 miles an hour in a 55 mile hour zone. Stop sticks were deployed, and Xayabath allegedly tried to flee on foot before he was caught a short time later.
Xayabath was reported to have dilated pupils and tensed muscles, and officers found a scale and empty baggie on his person. A search of his car reportedly turned up methamphetamine and a pipe on the driver’s seat.
Xayabath refused testing, and was taken into custody. He’s been charged with Eluding, second offense OWI, and possession of drug paraphernalia. If convicted on the charges, Xayabath could be sentenced to over seven years in prison.