(Rock Valley Police logo on PD pickup door - KIWA Staff Stock Photo)Rock Valley, Iowa (background info from Sioux County Radio) – A Rock Valley man facing an attempted murder charge after Rock Valley Police say he intentionally struck an officer with a pickup and led authorities on a pursuit — has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.
Police say 47-year-old Iram Jesus Ayala Rodriguez approached two officers outside the police department in October. One recognized him and knew he did not have a valid driver’s license.
Authorities say he refused an order to stop, drove at and struck the officer, then fled while pointing what appeared to be a firearm at the officers.
The pursuit headed north on K-30 before returning to Rock Valley. Police say Ayala Rodriguez intentionally struck a pursuing officer’s vehicle, and an attempt to stop him with a spike strip failed.
He eventually stopped at Highway 18 and Main Street and was taken into custody without incident.
The injured officer was treated and released with minor injuries. Two police vehicles each sustained about five thousand dollars in damage.
Ayala Rodriguez faces attempted murder of a peace officer, eluding, assault, operating while under the influence, and numerous traffic charges. He submitted a written arraignment and plea of not guilty on Monday. Further court dates have not been scheduled at this point, according to court records.
At last report, he remained in the Sioux County Jail in Orange City. Judge James Daane ordered him held with no possibility of bonding out.
