K-9 dog takes down drunk driver after police chase

CEDAR RAPIDS - A Cedar Rapids man faces a slew of charges after his vehicle took out a utility pole during an early-morning police chase.

Randy M. Thompson, 27, of Cedar Rapids, was arrested on suspicion of operating while intoxicated, attempting to elude, possession of marijuana, interference with official acts with injury, along with several other offenses.

Around 1:15 a.m. Monday, officers noticed a green sport-utility vehicle run a red light at the corner of Second Avenue and Sixth Street SW, and attempted to make a traffic stop a few blocks away. The SUV zig-zagged over to Seventh Street SW, ran the stop sign at Fifth Avenue SW, and continued south on Eighth Street SW.

As the driver approached a dead-end, police said he slowed down and attempted to turn onto 10th Avenue SW, but lost control. The SUV sheered off the pole and came to rest on top of it, officers said.

The driver, later identified as Thompson, got out and ran from officers, crossing railroad tracks and a drainage ditch. A K-9 unit dog was released, and brought Thompson to the ground, police said.

Thompson continued to struggle with officers on the ground, according to a police report. One officer injured his back while trying to handcuff him, and another officer cut his hand. Neither injury was serious. Thompson had facial injuries after the crash, due to airbag deployment, and was taken to a hospital, police said.

Police said Thompson smelled of alcohol, had slurred speech and red, bloodshot eyes. They also found a baggie of marijuana in his pocket, according to the police report.

Thompson was treated at St. Luke's Hospital for his injuries from the airbag, and taken to the Linn County Jail.

A review of online court records shows an extensive criminal history for Thompson, including several drug-related convictions.