POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY, Iowa — A semi truck driver accused of leading law enforcement on a chase on Interstate 80 earlier this week has been charged with eluding.

At around 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday troopers with the Iowa State Patrol responded to a report of a semi truck that had a chain dragging and creating sparks on I-80, about 15 miles west of Council Bluffs. Troopers located the semi near the Harlan exit and attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the semi driver failed to stop, the Iowa State Patrol said.

A pursuit ensued and lasted for 76 miles before it ended at the Dallas County Weigh Station, according to a criminal complaint. Troopers utilized multiple tire deflation devices to try and stop the semi. Court records state that “the front steer tires on the semi truck were deflated and were torn to shreds from the driver continuing to drive on rims.”

The driver of the semi, now identified as Joseariel Rosa Rivera from New Jersey, was taken into custody and transported to a hospital to be evaluated for a possible medical issue, the ISP said.

According to a search warrant, law enforcement on scene noted that Rosa Rivera had visible body tremors, sporadic abdominal convulsing, bloodshot and watery eyes, and constricted pupils. The search warrant also states that he was repeatedly saying “Jesus Christ is coming” to officers and medical personnel.

On Thursday the ISP confirmed that Rosa Rivera has now been charged with eluding in connection to the pursuit.

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