A Van Buren County man is facing multiple charges, including a felony, following a domestic disturbance and subsequent altercation with law enforcement on Sunday evening, June 28th.
Matthew Scearcy, 39, of Mount Sterling has been charged with Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree, a Class D Felony; Assault on Persons in Certain Occupations, an aggravated misdemeanor; Domestic Abuse Assault — First Offense, a simple misdemeanor (two counts); and Interference with Official Acts, a simple misdemeanor.
According to court documents, a Van Buren County deputy responded to a domestic disturbance in the 26000 block of 292nd Street in Mount Sterling at approximately 6:30 p.m. Upon arrival, the deputy made contact with Scearcy outside the residence and instructed him to remain outside while the investigation was conducted. Scearcy became increasingly confrontational, refused lawful commands, and positioned himself between the deputy and the residence to prevent the deputy from speaking with other parties inside the home, according to court documents.
When the deputy informed Scearcy he was under arrest, Scearcy allegedly drove his chest forcefully into the deputy, pushing him backward. He continued to actively resist arrest, requiring the use of force and additional officers before he was taken into custody, according to court documents.
The domestic disturbance involved an altercation between Scearcy and his parents. Court documents state that Scearcy intentionally pushed both of his parents during the incident.
Once in custody, Scearcy allegedly used his legs and feet to prevent the patrol vehicle door from closing, cracking the rear interior door panel in multiple places, according to court documents. Upon arrival at the jail, he refused commands to exit the vehicle and had to be physically removed and restrained. The seat of the patrol vehicle was also damaged during the incident. Court documents state that Scearcy also damaged a deputy’s radio equipment while resisting arrest. Total damages to the patrol vehicle are estimated at $2,000.
The Iowa State Patrol and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the incident. Scearcy’s initial court appearance had not yet been scheduled at the time of publication.
