MASON CITY – A Rock Falls man who refused to go quietly after a deputy pulled him over then led police on a high-speed chase has been sent to jail.
On December 10, 2016 at 1:12 AM, a Cerro Gordo County Deputy conducted a traffic stop on Highway 122 near the intersection of South Iowa Avenue for speeding. The driver of the 2006 gold Saturn Ion was identified as Joseph Porcelli, age 29 of Rock Falls. The traffic stop turned into a drug investigation when illegal substances were located inside the vehicle during a search. The deputy then attempted to arrest Porcelli for drug charges when Porcelli began to fight with the Deputy at the scene of the traffic stop. Porcelli was able to get back to his vehicle and drive off from the traffic stop. The deputy then pursued Porcelli, who led police on a vehicle pursuit reaching speeds of 90 mph. The pursuit went eastbound on Highway 122 to Vine Avenue, north on Vine Avenue into Rock Falls, then turning north on to Nottingham Street. Porcelli stopped his vehicle on Nottingham and took off on foot. Porcelli was apprehened a short distance away after another fight with law enforcement. During the involvement with Porcelli, a deputy received minor injuries. No vehicles were damaged during the pursuit and all of the illegal drugs were seized by law enforcement.
Porcelli was charged with Eluding a law enforcement vehicle, a D Felony; 3rd offense possession of controlled substance; an aggrevated misdemeanor; assault on a peace officer causing bodily injury, an aggrevated misdemeanor; and interference with official acts causing bodily injury, a serious misdemeanor.
In a plea deal, Porcelli was guilty of eluding, drug possession and assault on a peace officer. He was given suspended 5-year prison sentences, 30 days in jail, suspended fines, and had his license revoked. He must pay $5,705.00 in court costs and charges. He’s in jail now, serving his sentence.
Porcelli was guilty in 2011 in Polk county of a felony drug charge. He got probation and a fine in that case.
