Paullina, Iowa — A Sheldon man was taken to jail after leading law enforcement on a pursuit Thursday afternoon, while allegedly driving a motorcycle that had been reported stolen in Cherokee County.
According to the O’Brien County Sheriff’s Office, O’Brien County Chief Deputy Bruce Devereaux observed what he believed to be a stolen motorcycle near Paullina. The report says that Devereaux followed the motorcycle as other officers approached the area to assist with a traffic stop. Authorities say the motorcycle’s driver, 28-year old Saverio Joseph Marino of Sheldon, attempted to elude officers, and was eventually stopped on Maple Street in Paullina. Deputies say that, as Marino was surrounded by officers, he drove his vehicle into an O’Brien County Sheriff’s patrol vehicle, causing minor damage to both the motorcycle and the patrol vehicle.
Following the crash, Marino reportedly complained of shoulder pain, and taken to Baum Harmon Hospital in Primghar. Following treatment, he was reportedly transported to the O’Brien County Jail.
According to authorities, O’Brien County Jail officers suspected that Marino had tried to conceal contraband during the booking process. According to authorities, deputies applied for, and received, a body cavity search warrant for Marino, and while performing that search, reportedly recovered a controlled substance from Marino’s body.
Authorities say Marino is currently housed in the O’Brien County Jail, charged with:
- Eluding Police, an aggravated misdemeanor
- Driving While License Suspended (revoked for implied consent), a serious misdemeanor
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a simple misdemeanor
- Driving While License suspended, a simple misdemeanor
- Speeding, a simple misdemeanor
- Driving on the Wrong Side Of Highway, a simple misdemeanor
- Introducing A Controlled Substance Into A Jail, a Class D felony
Authorities say the investigation of the stolen vehicle is continuing by the O’Brien County Sheriff’s Office, and the Cherokee Police Department. Officers from the Paullina and Sanborn Police Departments assisted with the traffic stop of Marino.
