Rockwell man arrested on charges of theft, eluding, driving while barred

By Bob Steenson, bsteenson@charlescitypress.com

A Rockwell man has been arrested on charges of stealing a motorcycle then attempting to elude law enforcement at speeds greater than 25 mph over the limit, all while his license had been barred.

Blake Dale Braun, age 27, was arrested Monday afternoon, Nov. 13, in Floyd County after allegedly failing to stop for a state trooper for speeding through a construction zone.

“Mr. Braun accelerated over the posted speed limit by 25 mph while the trooper attempted to catch up to him,” the criminal complaint filed in Floyd County District Court states. “A short vehicle pursuit ensued and Mr. Braun laid the motorcycle down. Mr. Braun was found a short distance away on foot and was arrested.”

The Hawk 250 motorcycle he was riding had been reported stolen in Albert Lea, Minnesota, and had a value less than $1,500, the report said. Braun was also found to have been driving without a valid driver’s license.

He was charged with second-degree theft, a Class D felony; eluding, speed over 25 mph over the limit, also a Class D felony; and driving while barred, an aggravated misdemeanor.

Braun is currently also wanted on an arrest warrant in Cerro Gordo County, for allegedly failing to show up at a hearing in September.

He had been arrested Aug. 22 in Cerro Gordo County on a charge of eluding while exceeding the speed limit by 25 mph or more, a Class D felony, and driving while barred – habitual offender, an aggravated misdemeanor. He was free on bond after having posted $700 cash.

According to Cerro Gordo County District Court records, Braun did not appear at an arraignment hearing on Sept. 19. A $7,000 cash only, name only warrant was issued for his arrest.

According to court records that Cerro Gordo County warrant still had not been served at the time of his arrest in Floyd County.

As of Thursday evening Braun was being held in the Floyd County Jail.