MASON CITY – A Clear Lake man refused to stop his vehicle when police attempted to pull him over early Tuesday morning, leading to a pursuit reaching speeds of 120 miles per hour and his eventual arrest on numerous charges.
On August 29th, 2017 at 12:37 AM, a Cerro Gordo County Deputy attempted to stop a black 2008 Kia Optima for a traffic violation. The vehicle did not stop and continued at a high rate of speed, fleeing from the deputy. The chase continued north on Eisenhower, east on 4th Street SW, back west on the frontage road, then back south on Eisenhower. The vehicle then continued east on 19th Street SW where speeds were estimated to be about 120mph. A Mason City police officer successfully used a tire deflation device on the fleeing vehicle and the pursuit ended at the intersection of 19th and South Federal after losing control from striking the median.
After a brief foot pursuit, the driver was apprehended and identified as 37-year-old Lance Gruel of Clear Lake. Gruelke was charged with eluding, a class D Felony; possession of methamphteamine, a serious misdemeanor; possession of drug paraphernalia, a simple misdemeanor; driving with a suspended license, a simple misdemeanor and traffic violations.
Gruelke sustained a minor injury. No peace officers were injured during the incident.
Gruelke’s vehicle sustained minor damage and no law enforcement vehicles were damaged.
The Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Department was assisted by the Iowa State Patrol, Mason City Police Department, and Mason City Fire Department.
