The driver of a moped that allegedly fled an attempted traffic stop by Marion County Sheriff’s Deputies early last night was eventually arrested on multiple charges.
Deputies say they tried to stop 40-year-old Michael Smith of Maple Street in Sandoval on the Bowen Road in rural Sandoval because he was operating a moped on a roadway. After allegedly ignoring lights and sirens, Smith allegedly entered a soybean field headed westbound. Deputies relocated to where the hedge row comes out on the other side of the field. When the moped didn’t come out, deputies walked the hedgerow and were able to detain both Smith and a passenger.
Smith was ticketed for driving on a suspended license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, no registration and fleeing and eluding a peace officer. He was taken to the Marion County Jail and released after booking. The passenger was released without any charges.
