Fort Dodge Police Capt. Roger Porter was on a routine narcotics investigation Friday when a subject nearly struck him with a vehicle in an attempt to leave the scene. Harry T. Carvalho III, 33, 1415 Eighth St., was eventually captured by Officer Merdick Sorenson, after a high speed chase gave way to a foot chase in Calhoun County.
Chief Tim Carmody said Porter was forced to "jump out of the way," when Carvalho initially reversed his gray 2004 Chevy Trailblazer and fled from an alleged drug operation at AmericInn Lodge and Suites at114 Kenyon Road W. From there another nearby officer began pursuit. Fort Dodge police were soon assisted by Webster County Sheriff deputies and Iowa State Patrol as the chase took them west on Iowa Highway 7 at 90-mph speeds.
The car chase ended with a collision between the Trailblazer and a Fort Dodge police cruiser at the intersection of Iowa Highway 7 and the gravel Janesville Avenue southwest of Pomeroy. That's when Carvalho fled on foot for about a quarter of a mile through a corn field, according to police.
"A pursuit like this creates a tremendous risk for others on the road, " Carmody said. "So, it is of great importance to get it stopped as soon as possible, and get dangerous people off the street."
Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident. Carvalho is being held in Webster County Jail facing possible operating while intoxicated, eluding and attempting an assault on a police officer charges.
Carvalho has a history in Webster County courts in recent years with felony eluding convictions, domestic abuse assaults, trespassing, driving while barred, fifth-degree thefts and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Contact Amber Williams at (515) 573-2141 or awilliams@messengernews.net