MASON CITY – Cerro Gordo county prosecutors dropped a felony theft charge against a Mason City man who fled police in a dangerous chase with meth in his possession.
The pursuit took place at about 5:11 PM on Friday, April 15, 2016. Cerro Gordo County Deputies located 30-year-old Mark Allen Clark, who was wanted on a warrant, in the 2900 block of 18th Street SW in Mason City. Deputies attempted to make a traffic stop of Clark, who was driving a 2010 Toyota Sienna that was reported as a stolen vehicle from a car dealership in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
Instead of stopping for the deputies, however, Clark drove away from the area at a high rate of speed with deputies pursuing the vehicle. The pursuit went North on South Taft Avenue, East on Highway 122, and then North again on North Pierce Avenue. Clark then drove the van through a chain link fence on the property of Kraft Foods, causing significant damage to the fence. Deputies pursued Clark to the North through the field at Kraft Foods. During this part of the pursuit, the Sienna van sustained damage from the fence and from the field. Clark then abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot for a short distance until deputies were able to take him into custody. Neither Clark, nor his female passenger were injured during this incident. No deputies were injured in this incident and no damage was reported to any Sheriffs Office vehicle.
As a result of his actions, Clark was jailed and charged with the following:
-Failure to Appear for Driving Under Suspension
-First Degree Theft (a Class C Felony)
-Eluding (a Class D Felony)
-Driving Under Suspension
-Criminal Mischief
-Interference with Official Acts
-Felony possession of methamphetamine
In a plea deal, Cerro Gordo county prosecutors dropped the charges of felony first-degree theft connected to the stolen vehicle and criminal mischief and was guilty of felony eluding and second-offense possession of methamphetamine. A judge sentenced Clark to a suspended 15-year prison sentence, 180 days in jail with 150 days suspended, 5 years of probation, and $6,779.42 in fines, fees and restitution.
In addition, another charge of felony first-degree theft brought by the Cerro Gordo county sheriff’s office back in March (prior to this incident) was also dropped.
Chitcago law – that’s why only 46 people were shot in obummers demoratic homey rats nest this weekend – – Deadtroit mafia and wannabees moving into that slimehole to take over the drug traffic -sad to say only 6 of the 46 shot died.
give away the honey for vinegar
Matt Marquardt Im not denying I was a horrible person at the time of my arrest, but you can check Iowacourtsonline.com I was convicted of having marijuana first offence. Id like to take back what i’ve done but I cant. What I can do is take care of my substance abuse issues, and my thinking errors, which I am currently dedicating my life and time to. Im sorry I hurt my community and Im doing what I can to give back in a positive way. Thank You – Mark Clark
Potato patado. You want to split hairs on which illegal drugs you had in possession, you don’t get it do you. Stick up for getting your life together and quit being a pos.
This is Mark Clark and your wrong, I had marijuana in my possesion. I was neither charged with nor did I have meth on or around me. Get your facts right.
I report what the authorities release. I guess it is your word against the sheriff’s.