Chase suspect appears in court
Pursuit happened on Monday
Two days after he allegedly led multiple law enforcement agencies on a high-speed chase through Webster and Humboldt counties, a Fort Dodge man has been charged in connection with the case.
Michael S. Bellis, 42, is charged with two counts of eluding, two counts of reckless driving, one count of failure to stop at a stop sign and one count of not having a valid driver’s license.
On Monday, an Iowa Department of Natural Resources officer spotted Bellis in John F. Kennedy Memorial Park, according to the criminal complaint, filed with the Webster County attorney’s office, and recognized him as having a warrant out for his arrest.
After the DNR officer called for backup, the complaint stated that the officers saw Bellis reach for something in the car before pulling out of the parking lot.
He then allegedly led those officers, as well as Webster County sheriff’s deputies and Fort Dodge police officers, on a high-speed chase through the park and then going north on Nelson Avenue.
The complaint stated that Bellis was throwing various items outside of his window as officers were pursing him.
The pursuit went on for about 10 minutes before finally ending in Humboldt County.
Bellis was taken into custody by a Fort Dodge police officer, according to Capt. Ryan Gruenberg, of the Fort Dodge Police Department. When the officer and Bellis arrived at the Webster County Law Enforcement Center, Bellis became unresponsive. Gruenberg said Bellis was breathing, but not responding. A short time later, Bellis was transported to UnityPoint Health — Trinity Regional Medical Center.
A Webster County sheriff’s deputy later took over custody of Bellis.
Bellis initially appeared in Webster County Magistrate Court on a parole violation charge Tuesday, and appeared on the pursuit-related charges Wednesday.
Magistrate Steve Kersten ordered Bellis held on $4,000 cash bonds for the eluding charges.
Bellis’ preliminary hearing has been set for June 28.