A 47-year-old man is facing an attempted murder charge after Rock Valley police say he intentionally rammed an officer with his pickup truck Wednesday night, then led authorities on a chase through the streets of this small Sioux County town. Police say Iram Jesus Ayala Rodriguez also pointed what appeared to be a firearm at officers before eventually being taken into custody at the intersection of Highway 18 and Main Street.
According to radioiowa.com, Ayala Rodriguez approached two officers outside the Rock Valley police department at around 6:30 p.m., where one of them recognized him and knew he did not have a valid driver's license. When the officer ordered him to stop his pickup, police say he refused. Instead, siouxcountyradio.com reports he drove his 2015 Ford F-150 directly at the officer, intentionally striking him in what police describe as an attempt to run him over.
Pursuit Stretched North Before Looping Back
As Ayala Rodriguez fled the scene, police say he pointed what appeared to be a firearm at the officers, according to the same radioiowa.com report. The pursuit that followed headed north out of town on K-30 before looping back toward Rock Valley. During the chase, the report notes that Ayala Rodriguez intentionally struck a pursuing officer's vehicle, and an attempt by law enforcement to stop him with a spike strip failed to bring the truck to a halt.
The chase ended when Ayala Rodriguez stopped at Highway 18 and Main Street, where he was taken into custody without further incident, per the same account. The officer struck by the pickup was treated for minor injuries and released. A Rock Valley Police K9 unit and a Sioux Center police car were both damaged during the pursuit, with siouxcountyradio.com reporting each sustained an estimated $5,000 in damage.
Charges Include Attempted Murder and Eluding
Ayala-Rodriguez, 47, was taken into custody by the Rock Valley Police Department on Wednesday. He faces charges including attempted murder of a peace officer under Iowa Code section 707.11, along with eluding, reckless driving, two counts of driving under suspension and a first-offense OWI.
The exact list of additional charges varies slightly between reports. Radioiowa.com states that Ayala Rodriguez faces attempted murder of a peace officer, eluding, assault, operating while under the influence, and numerous traffic charges. Three counts of assault while displaying a dangerous weapon were also among the charges, along with attempted murder and eluding. Under Iowa law, attempted murder is classified as a Class B felony, according to Iowa Code section 707.11.
What Happens Next
As KTIV reported, the case remains in its early stages. The allegations against Ayala Rodriguez reflect the accounts given by police and have not been tested in court. Rock Valley, in northwest Iowa, is not accustomed to the kind of high-speed chase that unfolded on its streets Wednesday night, and residents are likely to be watching closely as the case moves forward.
