Hunter
07/06/23
A West Branch man was arrested after allegedly eluding police and causing thousands of dollars in damage to a farmer’s crops.
According to the police report, 18-year-old Johnny Patterson was being pulled over near the intersection of Sioux Avenue and 540th Street in Iowa City just after 1 am Wednesday for improper rear lamps. He then reportedly took off on the officer, despite emergency lights and sirens being activated. Patterson continued to elude the officer until he wrecked his car in a soybean field after he failed to negotiate a tight turn in the road on 540th.
Patterson was given his Miranda rights, and allegedly admitted to seeing the officer’s emergency lights, but didn’t want to stop because he didn’t have a valid license. A check of his records showed Patterson only had an Iowa ID. Two minor females aged 12 and 16 were in the vehicle with Patterson, and authorities estimate that he caused $20,000 worth of damage to the soybean crops.
He’s been charged with Eluding, two counts of Child Endangerment, and 1st degree Criminal Mischief. If convicted on the charges, Patterson could face a prison term of up to 13 years.