Suspect in Theft of Bar Tips Allegedly Feigns Medical Problems, Escapes

A man accused of stealing a tip jar containing almost $200 from a local bar allegedly escaped from police custody after he demanded emergency room treatment for symptoms  West Des Moines police doubted were real.

Authorities were called to the Blue Moon Piano Bar in the West Glen Town Center at 12:20 a.m. Sunday after a security officer chased and detained James Mark Eagle, 52, of Cumming after he allegedly grabbed the tip jar and fled.

When Officers Nathan Ladwig and Matthew Granzow arrived at the scene, the security officer was holding Eagle to the ground. He complained of head pain and began claiming he had epilepsy and was having a seizure, according to the report.

But Ladwig said Eagle “showed no signs of having a seizure.”

Despite authorities’ doubts, Eagle was transported by West Des Moines EMS to Broadlawns Medical Center after he demanded medical treatment.

Officer Curtis Russell, who was dispatched to Broadlawns, said Eagle was “blacking in and out” and was uncooperative. He claimed he couldn’t move because of pain to his back, hip and pain, so medical personnel strapped him to a hospital bed and fitted him with a neck brace.

Russell said t he went to his patrol car to retrieve some paperwork and when he returned, Eagle had managed to free himself from the restraints and escape.

Broadlawns security officers were unable to locate him on the premises and Des Moines police were advised of the incident, but he remained at large.

After the initial incident at the bar, Eagle was charged in a warrant with fifth-degree theft and harassment of public officials. He was also detained as a fugitive from justice after authorities discovered he had an outstanding felony warrant for parole violation in Louisiana. He faces new charges of escape from custody.

LINK UP WITH WEST DES MOINES PATCH: Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter. Have West Des Moines news delivered to your inbox every morning by signing up for our free newsletter.