Authorities have accused an Iowa City man of eluding officers.

Elder Rivera Fuentes, 39, 523 Mineral Point Lane, was charged Jan. 25 with eluding, driving while barred, and OWI.

According to the arrest affidavit, an accelerating vehicle was seen by officers turning onto Benton Street, and officers tried to stop the vehicle with the siren and lights on. The vehicle continued without stopping, the affidavit said, traveling to Mormon Trek Boulevard at least 25 mph over the speed limit.

Witnesses saw the vehicle crash into a ditch, the affidavit said, and Rivera Fuentes was found nearby in wet clothes.

He had been barred from driving until March, the affidavit said.

When officers approached Rivera Fuentes, the affidavit said, he smelled of alcohol and refused a sobriety test.

Eluding is a Class-D felony.

— Kayli Reese