GRUNDY COUNTY — An Iowa felon with a lengthy criminal history is awaiting trial after authorities say he refused to stop for a deputy, led law enforcement on a dangerous six-mile pursuit through Northern Iowa and eventually crashed in neighboring Hardin County.
A Grundy County deputy attempted to stop a vehicle just north of Wellsburg on March 6, 2026, after noticing an expired license plate.
Authorities said the driver refused to stop and fled from the deputy.
The pursuit continued for approximately six miles before the vehicle crashed near V Avenue and 170th Street in Hardin County.
Moises Baiza Carrasco III (pictured at top), 46, of Stockport in southeast Iowa, was arrested and charged in Grundy County case 01381 FECR016396 with third-or-subsequent possession of a controlled substance, a Class D felony; driving while barred, an aggravated misdemeanor; and eluding, a serious misdemeanor.
Authorities also accused him of possessing drug paraphernalia and issued numerous traffic citations stemming from the chase.
A passenger, Danyelle Marie Elizabeth Corder, 25, of Burlington, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and released on a promise to appear.
Carrasco initially remained behind bars with bond set at $20,000 cash or surety.
Court records show Carrasco later pleaded not guilty and waived his right to a speedy trial. His case has been repeatedly continued, with a pretrial conference now scheduled for September 9 and a jury trial set for September 23.
The pursuit adds another chapter to Carrasco’s extensive criminal record.
In Hardin County, Carrasco was convicted of third-or-subsequent possession of a controlled substance, a Class D felony, following a September 2022 offense. He pleaded guilty in January 2023 and was sentenced to five years in prison.
Carrasco was also convicted in Marshall County of escape from custody by a felon following a July 2022 incident. He pleaded guilty in March 2023 and was sentenced to 122 days in jail.
Another Marshall County prosecution resulted in convictions for failure to affix a drug tax stamp, driving while barred, keeping a vehicle or premises for controlled substance violations and marijuana possession.
Carrasco initially received suspended prison sentences and probation in that case. His probation was later revoked in March 2023, and the previously suspended prison terms were imposed.
The Grundy County Sheriff’s Office was assisted during the March pursuit by the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office.
The charges stemming from the latest chase remain allegations. Carrasco and Corder are presumed innocent of the pending charges unless convicted.
