A person commits a criminal offense (crime) if they intentionally flee from a person they know or should know is a peace officer or federal special investigator attempting to lawfully arrest or detain them. A person will be subject to higher penalties if they use a motor vehicle or watercraft while evading arrest or detention, or cause injury to another person. This criminal offense is also known as “fleeing and eluding.”
In Iowa, the act of intentionally fleeing from a person known, or reasonably should be known, to be a peace officer or federal special investigator during a lawful arrest or detention constitutes the criminal offense of 'fleeing and eluding.' Iowa law stipulates that individuals who engage in such conduct face criminal penalties. The severity of these penalties can be increased if the individual uses a motor vehicle or watercraft to evade arrest or detention, or if their actions result in injury to another person. The specific charges and penalties can vary based on the circumstances of the offense, including the degree of risk to public safety and the extent of any injuries caused. This offense is taken seriously and is addressed under Iowa's criminal statutes, which outline the legal consequences for those found guilty of fleeing and eluding law enforcement.