A routine traffic stop ended when a car went airborne and ended up in a farm pond during a police pursuit in Muscatine County.
A spokesman for the Muscatine County Sheriff’s Office said a deputy tried to stop a car driven by 19-year-old Nicholas Munger, of Blue Grass, for speeding on Highway 61 near 170th Street at about 3 p.m. Thursday, August 15, 2013. The situation became a pursuit when Munger allegedly refused to stop.
After briefly detouring off Highway 61 to Taylor Avenue and then to 172nd Street, Munger reportedly continued south on Highway 61 until it turned onto University Drive. When police tried a maneuver to stop the pursuit, Munger drove off the road and into a field.
Police said Munger continued north, crossing Northport Drive and continuing into another field. That’s where his car went airborne and landed in a farm pond.
Police said Munger faces several traffic charges including speeding, reckless driving and attempting to elude law enforcement. He was arrested, and remained in the Muscatine County Jail.
Police said the squad car sustained minor damage, and Munger’s car was totaled.