From the Benton County Sheriff’s Department

At approximately 6:56 p.m. on May 12, 2020 the Benton County Sheriff’s Department attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle northbound on 11th Ave. near Belle Plaine for a traffic violation. When the deputy activated emergency lights the vehicle the driver fled and a pursuit took place at speeds over 80 miles per hour.

The vehicle eventually stopped and the chase ended at the intersection of 70th Street and Highway 21 in Benton County. The driver was arrested.

The driver was identified as Jeremy Michael Rayman, 39, Elberon.

Rayman was charged with one count eluding, aggravated misdemeanor under Iowa Code Section 321.279 (2) and one count driving with a suspended Iowa drivers license, simple misdemeanor under Iowa Code Section 321.218, plus traffic citations. The punishment for an aggravated misdemeanor in the State of Iowa is a fine of between $625 and $6,250, and/or up to two years of incarceration. The punishment for a simple misdemeanor in the State of Iowa is a fine of between $65 and $625, and/or up to 30 days of incarceration.

He also had an active warrant for Harassment 3rd degree (Linn County). The incident remains under investigation by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office.

An arrest charge or referral for a criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.