A 25-year-old Afton man was taken into custody last Wednesday after he allegedly held a baseball-sized rock and threatened to kill a sheriff's deputy before trying to flee on foot. Chase I. Ditzler was apprehended about a block from where the confrontation began, according to the report.
The incident unfolded at the intersection of Nebraska and Dodge streets in Afton, according to the Creston News Advertiser, which reported that Ditzler threatened a deputy by saying he would kill him while holding the large rock. At the time, the deputy was sitting in his patrol unit on the phone with Ditzler's mother, per the same account.
Deputy Says Ditzler Acted Like He Would Throw the Rock
While still holding the rock, Ditzler acted as though he was going to throw it at the deputy, according to the report. The deputy then gave Ditzler lawful commands to stop and put the rock down, the newspaper's account states.
Rather than comply, Ditzler took off running, according to the report. He was caught approximately one block away from where the confrontation began.
Charges Filed Against Ditzler
Ditzler was charged with harassment in the first degree and interference with official acts, according to the report. Under Iowa Code, harassment in the first degree is classified as an aggravated misdemeanor, while interference with official acts is a simple misdemeanor under Iowa Code section 719.1.
