Motorcyclist arrested after chase through Marshall County | News, Sports, Jobs

Roop

A Grinnell man with two outstanding warrants in Jasper County was arrested Tuesday afternoon after allegedly leading a chase that began in Le Grand and ended in the northeast part of Marshalltown.

According to a press release, at approximately 12:57 p.m., a Marshall County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) deputy attempted to stop a motorcycle for suspicious activity in Le Grand as well as a suspected driver's license violation. The driver of the motorcycle, later identified as 49-year-old Richard Leroy Roop of Grinnell, fled the attempted traffic stop and led deputies on a chase into Quarry and then toward the east side of Marshalltown at speeds in excess of 90 miles per hour on Highway 30.

The motorcycle experienced mechanical problems as it approached the Marshalltown city limits, and speed was reduced to 40 to 45 mph as it traveled along the northeast edge of town. Roop lost control of the motorcycle while attempting to drive off the road around stopped vehicles at the intersection of 18th Avenue and Marion Street, and the motorcycle overturned in the roadway, where the driver was arrested without further incident.

The driver was uninjured and the motorcycle was confiscated following the investigation.

Roop had two Jasper County drug warrants out for his arrest. He was being held without bail Tuesday evening on a total of 10 charges: fleeing (25 mph or more) – a Class D felony, possession of methamphetamine (second offense), aggravated misdemeanor, possession of drug paraphernalia, speeding 90 mph in a 65 zone, no valid motorcycle license, no insurance, two counts of failure to obey a stop sign and two counts of driving on the wrong side of the road, all misdemeanors.

The MCSO was assisted by the Marshalltown Police Department and the Marshall County Communications Center.