March 28, 2024

Local authorities involved in two high-speed chases over weekend

Jasper County Sheriff’s deputies were engaged in two high-speed chases over the weekend, one involving an intoxicated driver and the other involving a motorcycle.

On Saturday, the sheriff’s office received two reports of an intoxicated driver near the Iowa Speedway. Ten minutes after the reports, a deputy located and stopped Martin D. Shepley of Colfax on Highway F48 for reckless driving on the Skunk River Bridge.

As the deputy was investigating, the vehicle Shepley was driving fled the scene. Two deputies then pursued the vehicle, which headed west toward Colfax. The pursuit reached speeds of 90 mph. The deputies were able to use their vehicle to force Shepley off the road at the intersection of Highway 117 and South 44th Avenue West.

No injuries resulted from the pursuit, but a female passenger in the Shepley's vehicle was transported by EMS due to her extreme intoxication.

Shepley was charged with seven major felonies and misdemeanors: eluding, operating while intoxicated, driving while license revoked, interference with official acts, reckless driving, possession of drug paraphernalia and operating with an open container.

On Sunday, deputies were notified that officers with the Altoona Police Department were in pursuit of Charles Cheek, who was driving a motorcycle that was entering Jasper County. Deputies stationed near Colfax assisted with the pursuit. As the driver entered Colfax, he drove in circles and went through several yards.

After leaving Colfax, westbound on Highway 117, he surrendered. Altoona police took him into custody, but Jasper County Deputies cited him with several traffic violations, including failure to have insurance and a valid license.