The Iowa Supreme Court is upholding a verdict against a Manchester police officer in the death of a motorcyclist from Colesburg involved in a chase.

The Iowa Supreme Court is upholding a verdict against a Manchester police officer in the death of a motorcyclist after a chase.

Radio Iowa reports that a jury found Manchester Officer James Wessels committed assault and battery against Augustin Mormann of in connection with the December 10th, 2020 accident. Wessells ran his patrol car into Mormann's motorcycle and caused him to crash. The Iowa State Patrol started the pursuit, but ended it after determining it was too dangerous to continue. Mormann died from injuries and his estate was originally awarded more than 4.25-million. The award was appealed but the Iowa Supreme Court ruled that evidence showed that Wessels perisisted in his own pursuit, which violates department policy and that his cruiser hit the motorcycle intentionally, without justification for using deadly force.