(Spirit Lake)– Charges have been filed against a Spencer man in connection with a high speed chase Sunday that started in Arnolds Park and wound up with the alleged driver of the vehicle being arrested in Spirit Lake.
Authorities say it started around 1:00 p.m. when the Dickinson County Communications Center received a report of a Dodge van being driven recklessly northbound on Highway 71 near Dam Road in Arnolds Park. An Arnolds Park police officer attempted to stop the vehicle near Stakeout Road, but the driver refused to stop. The pursuit continued north on Highway 71 to Spirit Lake where a Spirit Lake officer joing in on the pursuit. Officers were finally able to get the driver stopped at the intersection of 23rd Street and Zenith Avenue, but he refused to get out and locked the doors. Authorities knocked out a front-side window, but before they could get the door open, the driver sped off. The pursuit continued east on 23rd street, then north on Lincoln Avenue. The vehicle then turned east on Highways nine and 71 and pulled into a parking lot behind an apartment complext on Lake Street. He then fled on foot. Following an investigation, officers determined the driver of the vehicle was 32-year-old Duane D. Kroska of Spencer. He was apprehended a short time later at Sportsman’s Bar in uptown Spirit Lake.
Kroska was charged with operating while intoxicated, sixth offense; eluding; driving while barred; reckless driving; two stop sign violations and interference with official acts. Kroska was booked into the Dickinson county jail.
During the pursuit, a 2000 Durango Spirit Lake police cruiser struck a utility pole at the corner of 23rd Street and Lincoln Avenue, breaking it off. No injuries were reported to the officer. Minor damage was reported to the cruiser.
The Arnolds Park, Spirit Lake and Okoboji Police Departments, Arnolds Park Canine Unit, Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office and the Iowa State Patrol were involved in the pursuit.
