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SE Iowa Man Arrested After Chase

Matthew Munz, 34 of Wever, faces multiple charges, including two counts of assault on a peace officer, following a pursuit that spanned two states over the weekend. Fort Madison Police Chief Bruce Niggemeyer said his department was alerted Friday evening that Munz was being pursued by authorities in Hancock County.

Niggemeyer said a road block was set up at the BNSF bridge that spans the Mississippi River between Niota, Ill. and Fort Madison, but Munz was able to avoid it and some stop strips.

The pursuit continued up Business 61 through Fort Madison before coming to an end near the Highway 61 bypass.  

Munz was initially charged with eluding and with assault on a peace officer, which Niggemeyer said occurred when Munz spit on one of the officers.

Munz was eventually taken to Fort Madison Community Hospital, where he was admitted for alcohol and prescription drug issues. He decided to leave early, against medical advice, on Saturday. That's when officers picked up Munz and transported him to the Lee County Jail. Niggemeyer said during the transport, Munz spit on another officer, prompting additional charges of assault on a peace officer and interfering with official acts.

Niggemeyer said additional charges are likely from both Illinois and Iowa, in part because he said Munz damaged a police vehicle.

Jason Parrott is a former reporter at Tri States Public Radio.