Sheriff: Man Accused in Two Chases Struck Trooper Car

The 37-year-old man, who Ames police believe led them on a chase in a stolen truck on April 24, and was arrested in Nevada on May 1 after an alleged hour-long chase through and around Nevada, struck an Iowa State Patrol car during the second chase, according to criminal complaints.

James Choate faces charges of eluding, a Class D felony; two counts of driving while barred, two counts of second-degree theft, a Class D felony; interference with official acts, reckless driving and a number of traffic violations and a second charge of eluding from both chases.

Class D felonies are punishable by up to five years in prison. Choate will be arraigned on the charges from both the Story County Sheriff and Ames Police May 28 according to court records.

Choate is believed to be the driver of a stolen 1986 Chevrolet K30 flat bed truck spotted early April 24 in Ames, according to police. Police said Choate refused to stop and led them on a chase that eventually ended when Choate drove into the Skunk River and took off on foot, according to police.

Choate was spotted driving another stolen vehicle, a Mercury Mountaineer, through Nevada about 3:46 a.m. on May 1, according to the Story County Sheriff's Office.

When law enforcement officials tried to stop Choate he allegedly led deputies and other members of area law enforcement including the Iowa State Patrol on a chase 10 miles north of Nevada and back before he hit a van parked in an alleyway, according to the Sheriff's Office. That chase reached speeds of 110 miles per hour, according to criminal complaints and Choate drove through yards and struck an Iowa State Patrol car as well, complaints said.

Choate remained in the Story County Jail Wednesday on a $33,500 bond.

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