Sioux Center, Iowa (Sioux County Radio) — A Primghar man is facing multiple felony charges after what authorities describe as a high‑speed pursuit and struggle with law enforcement in Sioux Center.
According to court documents, 28‑year‑old Nicholas John TeSlaa was arrested Sunday, April 19th, by the Sioux Center Police Department.
Authorities allege the incident began with a traffic stop for speeding violations in two separate zones. Officers say TeSlaa refused to provide identification and rolled up his window while interacting with them.
Court records state that TeSlaa then began revving his engine and allowed the vehicle to roll forward while officers were standing beside it.
Officials say TeSlaa refused to sign multiple citations — including for speeding and a registration violation — and allegedly threw the paperwork out of his vehicle.
Authorities say that as officers attempted to issue an additional citation for littering, TeSlaa allegedly fled the scene at a high rate of speed.
According to the affidavit, TeSlaa accelerated to approximately 90 miles per hour before braking suddenly in the roadway, nearly causing a pursuing officer to crash.
Officials say the pursuit continued briefly before TeSlaa was eventually stopped.
Court documents indicate TeSlaa then refused to exit the vehicle and had to be removed by officers. During that process, a struggle occurred.
Authorities report that TeSlaa allegedly continued to resist while being handcuffed and searched, resulting in injuries to three officers, including an Iowa State Patrol trooper and a deputy. Officials also allege he made threats toward officers during the incident.
TeSlaa has been cited on the following charges:
- Five counts of assault on persons in certain occupations causing bodily injury (Class D felonies)
- Eluding law enforcement at more than 25 miles per hour over the speed limit (Class D felony)
- One count of assault on persons in certain occupations (aggravated misdemeanor)
- Five counts of interference with official acts, causing bodily injury (serious misdemeanors)
- Second-degree harassment (serious misdemeanor)
He also faces numerous traffic-related citations tied to the incident.
TeSlaa was booked into the Sioux County Jail and later released after posting a $5,000 cash or surety bond. If convicted on all charges, TeSlaa could face 40 years in prison.
Authorities have not released an update on the condition of the injured officers.
KIWA Staff Photo
