Matthew James Munz. Courtesy: Lee County Jail
A car chase through two states ended in Fort Madison and even continued on into the next day when the suspect assaulted arresting officers at Fort Madison Community Hospital.
Fort Madison Police first learned about 34 year old Matthew James Munz when Nauvoo, Illinois Police Officers informed officers that they were in pursuit of Munz, and that he was about to cross over the BNSF bridge into Fort Madison.
Fort Madison Police set up a road block, equipped with tire-puncturing stop sticks, but were ineffective in stopping Munz. Munz eventually stopped his car on highway 61 near exit 27 and was taken into custody after a brief struggle.
Fort Madison Police Chief Bruce Niggemeyer says that Munz was under the influence of narcotics and alcohol.
“Due to his state of mind he was taken to Fort Madison Community Hospital,” Niggemeyer told KBUR, “He was admitted overnight, however, the next morning, on the 18th, our officers were called out to the hospital as Mr. Munz was attempting to leave the hospital against medical advice, at which time he decided to fight with officers again.”
Munz is charged with interference with official acts and assault on a peace officer. He was originally on the run due to simple traffic violations in Nauvoo.
