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FD man accused of assaulting multiple officers

Plumber struck while helping detain suspect, police say

-Messenger photo by Peter Kaspari
Donald Rundall III is lifted up by a Fort Dodge firefighter and Fort Dodge Police Officer Chris Weiland as they help to load him onto a stretcher. Rundall was injured in a struggle with law enforcement after he allegedly hit multiple officers who were trying to arrest him on outstanding warrants.

A man being sought by law enforcement is accused of assaulting multiple Fort Dodge officers and a plumber as police attempted to arrest him Monday morning.

Donald Rundall III, 40, of Fort Dodge, is facing a range of charges stemming from the incident

Officers were on routine patrol in the area of Third Avenue North and North Ninth Street when they spotted Rundall, who they knew had two probation violation warrants out for his arrest, according to Capt. Ryan Gruenberg, of the Fort Dodge Police Department.

He said an officer approached Rundall at 10:25 a.m. and tried to arrest him. But Rundall hit the officer in the face and started running, Gruenberg said.

Near Fourth Avenue North and North Ninth Street police converged in an attempt to apprehend Rundall.

-Messenger photo by Peter Kaspari
Donald Rundall III is examined by Fort Dodge Firefighter Nick Carlson and Fort Dodge Police Officer Chris Weiland Monday morning after Rundall allegedly assaulted police officers who were trying to arrest him. Rundall was treated at UnityPoint Health - Trinity Regional Medical Center for injuries he sustained while struggling with law enforcement.

Dan Riley, of Dan Riley Plumbing, stopped to help.

Gruenberg said that as Rundall was being placed under arrest he hit two officers and Riley.

During the struggle, Gruenberg said Rundall suffered an apparent head injury and was bleeding from his head.

Rundall was on probation after pleading guilty to two counts of unauthorized use of a credit card, according to Iowa Courts Online.

Rundall was examined by the Fort Dodge Fire Department and UnityPoint Health — Trinity Regional Medical Center before being transported to the hospital.

He was treated and released.

Rundall was then taken into custody.

Rundall is facing the following counts in addition to the two probation violation charges:

• Assault on a peace officer with intent to cause serious injury;

• Assault on a peace officer causing bodily injury;

• Interference with official acts causing bodily injury;

• Possession of methamphetamine, second offense;

• Possession of codeine, second offense;

• Assault causing injury.

Rundall is expected to have his initial appearance in Webster County Magistrate Court this morning.

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