A Massena man was hit with pepper spray and taken into custody after he was pulled over Tuesday night for Driving Under Suspension. Cass County Chief Deputy Sheriff John Westering says Deputy Josh McLaren attempted to stop 52-year old Barry Dean Schmidt, of Massena, at around 7:35-p.m., near 700th and Richland Road. Schmidt, who was driving a pickup truck failed to comply and was pursued by the deputy until the truck stopped near the County shed at about 720th and Richland.

Westering said Schmidt refused numerous instructions by McLaren to “Show his hands” once the vehicle was stopped. Several surrounding law enforcement agencies were called to provide backup, including the Iowa State Patrol, and Adair County Sheriff’s Deputies. Eventually, McLaren deployed pepper spray and Schmidt was taken into custody. He was also treated at the scene for exposure to the chemical ingrediants in pepper spray.

Schmidt faces charges which include Interference with Official Acts, Eluding, Driving Under Suspension, and 3rd Offense OWI. Schmidt appeared before the magistrate this (Wednesday) morning, and was initially unable to post $6,000 bond. He was being held in the Cass County Jail, pending payment of the bond.