ROCKFORD, IOWA – A Rockford man who struck his wife then fled the scene as police pursued has been sent to prison.
Jason Gene Weitzel, age 39, was arrested after an allegedly violent incident back on March 5, 2016. Floyd county law enforcement were called to a residence in Rockford for a domestic situation where a woman – Weitzel’s wife – was said to be injured. Weitzel fled the scene in a vehicle, and deputies and state troopers were put on alert to locate him.
After a tumultuous pursuit, Weitzel was stopped and arrested. The following charges were brought against him: felony domestic abuse involving strangulation, threat of terrorism, possession of methamphetamine, carrying weapons, first offense operating while intoxicated, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, no proof of insurance and more.
After an initial not-guilty plea, Weitzel entered into a plea deal. He pled guilty to domestic abuse assault involving strangulation, second offense possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), carrying weapons, and first offense operating while intoxicated. The other charges were dismissed.
Weitzel wes sentenced to up to 9 years in prison and loss of his driver’s license for 180 days. He was also ordered to pay $5,898.04 in fines and court fees. He now awaits transport to prison.
