The Ames Police Department has fired an officer months after he was arrested for allegedly eluding police while under the influence of alcohol.
According to Ames Police Commander Jason Tuttle, Jason Eaton was terminated one week ago Thursday. Tuttle released the following statement in behalf of Ames PD this afternoon:
“His employment was terminated for violating department policy, effective Thursday, June 17.
We cannot provide further details as it is a personnel matter.”
Jason Tuttle – Ames Police Commander
According to court records, Eaton entered a plea of not guilty in early April to charges of Eluding and OWI (1st offense) after he reportedly was caught in late March driving the wrong way on US Highway 30 near Nevada at speeds in excess of 125 miles per hour. Eaton is also accused of merging onto Interstate 35 and topping speeds 130 miles per hour. Upon finally stopping for patrol officers, Eaton admitted to drinking, but refused on-scene sobriety tests. Eaton later failed a blood sample test that was executed because of a warrant.
Due to a conflict of interest, Eaton’s case was reassigned to the Marshall County Attorney’s Office in April. StoryCounty.News reached out to Marshall County Attorney Jordan Gaffney on Thursday afternoon for an update on the status of Eaton’s case. Although records indicate that a court order was made Wednesday requiring a written plea of guilty to be submitted by July 9, Gaffney confirmed that the court has yet not accepted any amended plea of guilty.
In addition to the charges of Eluding and OWI, Eaton also pled not guilty to charges of Excessive Speed and Failure to Obey a Stop Sign.
Shortly after the incident, Ames PD placed Eaton on paid administrative leave “pending the outcome of an internal investigation”.
Another well written article, Cory. So good to keep Story County well informed of what is happening locally.