In Henry County circuit court on Monday, Galva Police Officer Jason Gibbs described events leading to the Oct. 13 arrests of three people on methamphetamine-related charges. He said it’s not known at this time if actual meth was found.
Gibbs testified that he spotted a late ’90s Chevy Monte Carlo in the back corner of the Galva Cemetery shortly after midnight and pulled in front of it, upon which the Monte Carlo went into the grass to get around the patrol car.
The officer turned his patrol car around and turned his lights on to effect a traffic stop, but the Monte Carlo sped away at 85 to 90 miles per hour, he said. He said as the car got into town, the driver attempted to make a right turn but hit a utility pole at South Center Avenue and Southeast Sixth Street. All three occupants were taken by ambulance to the hospital.
David Pierce, 47, of Galva, front-seat passenger Ray Riley, 51, of Hampton and back-seat passenger Jennifer Korschgen, 36, of Galva are charged with Class 1 meth manufacturing, Class 1 possession of anhydrous ammonia and Class 2 possession of meth-making material.
Judge Ted Hamer found probable cause to believe each defendant committed a felony. He appointed Ed Woller to represent Korschgen; public defender Gene Stockton is representing the others.
Pre-trial hearings were set for Nov. 19.
