Ottumwa man sentenced to probation after pleading guilty to charges stemming from high speed chase in Charles City, Floyd County

By Bob Steenson, bsteenson@charlescitypress.com

An Ottumwa man who led law officers from two departments on a high-speed chase through parts of Charles City and into rural Floyd County in May has been sentenced to probation and placement at a residential facility.

Tylor Michael Rooney, age 22, was sentenced Tuesday in Floyd County District Court.

Rooney had pleaded guilty to two Class D felonies: assault on persons engaged in certain occupations, and eluding while participating in a felony or operating while intoxicated. Twelve separate traffic citations were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.

Judge Peter Newell sentenced Rooney to up to five years in prison and a $750 fine plus 15% surcharge on each conviction, then suspended both prison sentences and placed Rooney on three to five years of probation.

He was also ordered Rooney placed at Beje Clark residential facility in Mason City or a similar facility “until maximum benefits are achieved.”

Newell also ordered Rooney to abstain from alcohol and illegal drugs, to be subject to random drug testing, and to complete a substance abuse evaluation and follow through with any recommended treatment.

According to records filed in Floyd County District Court and to reports by the Charles City Police Department and the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office, police attempted to make a traffic stop for a registration violation in the afternoon of May 11, in the 900 block of Grand Avenue.

Rooney fled the traffic stop in the vehicle he was driving, a white 2000 Ford Escort, and a pursuit took place through the north side of town by Charles City police officers and Floyd County sheriff’s deputies.

Rooney lost control at the intersection of 13th Avenue and Cleveland Avenue, according to the reports, striking a phone junction box and then striking several patrol cars when officers tried to box him in.

In one of the criminal complaints, it said Rooney “rammed the driver’s side of my patrol car in an attempt to escape.”

Rooney continued north out of town, pursued by Floyd County deputies with the assistance of Charles City police, at speeds greater than 25 mph over the posted limit, the reports said, and was taken into custody by deputies in the 1800 block of Cleveland Avenue after a motor vehicle accident.

He was charged with six counts of stop sign violations, driving while suspended, operating a non-registered vehicle, no proof of insurance, operating while intoxicated, eluding police officers, assault involving a police officer, criminal mischief and failure to maintain control.

All but the eluding and the assault charges were dismissed, with Rooney responsible for court costs.