(KIWA Staff Photo)Sheldon, Iowa (Sioux County Radio) — Two out-of-state men were arrested Sunday after a vehicle pursuit involving Orange City Police ended near Sheldon.
Police say 21-year-old Henry Kwame Tandoh Otchere of Fridley, Minnesota, and his passenger, 18-year-old Jayden Prince Hopkins of Denver, Colorado, were taken into custody on Sunday, August 30th.
Authorities say the incident began after officers received a report of an erratic driver. Officers located the vehicle, but they say the driver — identified as Otchere — did not stop and led officers on a pursuit. During the chase, police say Otchere turned off the vehicle’s exterior lights in an attempt to elude officers. The pursuit ended on Highway 60 near Sheldon.
Police Say Drugs and Fraudulent License Found
According to Orange City Police, officers searched the vehicle and found marijuana, a THC vape pen, and drug paraphernalia. Police say Otchere admitted the items belonged to him.
Officers also reported finding a fraudulent driver’s license containing Hopkins’ information. Police say further investigation showed Hopkins had an outstanding warrant from Arapahoe County, Colorado, for robbery and assault-related charges.
Otchere was charged with:
- Eluding while exceeding the speed limit by 25 miles per hour or more — Class D felony
- Reckless driving — simple misdemeanor
- First-offense possession of marijuana — serious misdemeanor
- Possession of cannabidiol
- Possession of drug paraphernalia — simple misdemeanor
- Operating a non-registered vehicle — simple misdemeanor
- Failure to use headlamps when required — scheduled traffic violation
In Iowa, eluding at 25 mph or more above the limit is a Class D felony. Marijuana possession (first offense) is a serious misdemeanor, while paraphernalia possession is a simple misdemeanor.
Passenger Also Wanted in Colorado
Hopkins was charged in Iowa with possession of a false driver’s license or identification card, a serious misdemeanor.
Both men were transported to the Sioux County Jail. Otchere’s bond is listed at $5,000 cash or surety, and Hopkins’ bond at $1,000 cash or surety.
Orange City Police were assisted by the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office and Sheldon Police Department.
