NE Iowa Man Charged in February Car Chase

Buchanan County authorities have filed charges against a Hazleton man, who led deputies on a high-speed chase into Fayette County last month.

The incident happened at about 9pm Tuesday, Feb. 24th, when a Buchanan county deputy tried to pull over a car on Highway 281, just south of Oelwein.

The driver, later identified as 49 year old Herman Ronnfeldt, sped off, westbound on the highway, then north onto "R" avenue into Fayette County.

The chase, which at times reached speeds of about 100 miles an hour, ended in about a half hour, when the car failed to round a turn just north of Maynard, and went into a ditch.
Ronnfeldt fled on foot, but was captured and initially taken to the Independence hospital for observance.

Following the investigation, Ronnfeldt has now been charged with eluding, OWI 2nd offense, reckless driving, speeding, and other traffic violations.

The Fayette County sheriff and Iowa State Patrol assisted in the incident; more charges are pending in Fayette County.

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