Davenport woman accused of lighting fire in patrol car while being taken to Linn County Jail

A Davenport woman is accused of lighting a fire in the back seat of a patrol car in Scott County while being transported to the Linn County Correctional Center.

According to a criminal complaint, Roxanne Rochelle Clay, 46, was being taken from the Scott County Jail to the Linn County Correctional Center on Oct. 27 after she was arrested on outstanding warrants. Authorities say Clay slipped out of her restraints on Highway 61 in Scott County. With a lighter Clay had concealed, authorities said, she set a fire in the back seat of the patrol car.

Officers said when they pulled over to remove the burning materials from the vehicle, Clay tried to flee and allegedly assaulted an officer as he struggled to restrain her and return her to the patrol car.

Clay is accused of recklessly using fire or explosives and escaping from custody — both serious misdemeanors. Clay also is accused of interfering with official acts, a simple misdemeanor.

Comments: (319) 398-8494; marissa.payne@thegazette.com