An Ottumwa man is facing several charges and violations after leading an Iowa State Patrol trooper on a high-speed chase through Martinsburg that ended with his vehicle driven into a field and the driver found hiding in tall grass by a trooper’s drone.
Dyllan Light, 29, has been charged with Eluding — Speed Over 25 Over the Limit, a Class D Felony, and Driving While Barred, an Aggravated Misdemeanor. He also faces several scheduled violations including speeding 21 miles per hour or more over the limit, speeding 11 to 15 miles per hour over the limit, failure to provide proof of financial liability, and failure to obey a stop sign and yield right of way.
According to court documents, an Iowa State Patrol trooper clocked Light traveling 71 miles per hour in a posted 60 zone on Highway 78 West, east of 230th Street, at approximately 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 16th. The trooper turned around to initiate a traffic stop but was unable to catch up until Light reached Martinsburg, where he was clocked at 65 in a 40 mile per hour zone.
Light moved into the left lane and turned north onto 3rd Street. When the trooper activated lights and sirens, Light accelerated away, ran a stop sign at 3rd Street and Park Street, and continued north out of town on 180th Avenue. The trooper clocked Light at 91 miles per hour on the gravel road and observed the vehicle fishtail on the loose gravel before Light drove through a ditch and into a field of tall grass.
The trooper followed the vehicle’s tracks and found it in a wooded area with the taillights on and the engine running. The driver’s door was open and the only occupant remaining in the vehicle was a dog. Light was found lying in the grass on the other side of the trees by a trooper using a drone. Additional troopers took Light into custody. Light complained of wrist pain and was transported to Keokuk County Hospital for evaluation before being released and transported to the Keokuk County Jail.
Light’s driving status was found to be Barred Habitual Offender from November 2nd, 2024 through October 31st, 2028. When asked where he was headed, Light told the trooper he was going home, according to court documents.
Light is being held on a $5,000 cash only bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 28th.
