An Ottumwa man is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly leading the Iowa State Patrol on a high-speed motorcycle chase through Ottumwa on June 22.
According to a criminal complaint, at approximately 9:21 p.m., an Iowa State Patrol trooper located a motorcycle near Highway 34 and Highway 149. The motorcycle was being driven by 25-year-old David Eakins of Ottumwa, who had a passenger riding with him.
Court documents state Eakins failed to stop after a marked patrol vehicle activated its emergency lights and sirens. Instead, he continued north on Highway 149, crossed the Des Moines River, and proceeded north on Wapello Street. Authorities say Eakins ran a stop sign at Woodland Avenue and reached speeds between 55 and 65 mph in a 25 mph residential zone.
The pursuit continued through several residential neighborhoods before Eakins was eventually apprehended at 802 W. Woodland Avenue after allegedly attempting to flee on foot.
According to the Iowa State Patrol, a bag recovered during the investigation was positively alerted on by a K-9 unit. A search warrant was obtained for the bag. A female passenger reportedly admitted to throwing the bag from the motorcycle and told investigators it belonged to Eakins, stating she had been holding it while riding as a passenger.
Law enforcement officers reported finding drug-related items inside the bag, including a digital scale with suspected methamphetamine residue, numerous new and used hypodermic needles, spoons containing white residue, a small glass jar containing THC wax, and straws with residue. Authorities say the wax field-tested positive for marijuana and methamphetamine.
Investigators also determined Eakins had previously been convicted of eluding law enforcement. Court records indicate he was driving while barred as a habitual offender and possessed only a temporary restricted license. Authorities further noted he did not have a motorcycle endorsement.
Eakins was arrested and booked into the Wapello County Jail, where he remains held on a $10,000 cash-only bond.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 2.
Eakins is charged with Eluding — Speed 25 MPH or More Over the Limit, Second or Subsequent Offense (Class C Felony); two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance, Third or Subsequent Offense (Class D Felony); and Driving While Barred (Aggravated Misdemeanor).
Source: Wapello County Court Records and Iowa State Patrol Criminal Complaint.
