Police chase, crash leads to discovery of mobile meth lab in Marion

UPDATE: Methamphetamine was still cooking when authorities found what was left of a mobile lab following a police chase Monday evening in Marion.

Alex L. Sierra, 18, of Cedar Rapids, was arrested on suspicion of manufacturing methamphetamine, interference with official acts and a slew of traffic charges after the chase, which ended with a crash at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 22nd Street. No injuries were reported.

According to police, the chase began around 8:50 p.m. when an officer tried to stop a speeding car on South 31st Street. The driver turned west on Grand Avenue and then back north onto South 22nd Street.

Speeds during the chase reached 16 to 20 mph over the speed limit, according to the charges filed.

“They were throwing stuff out of the car during the chase,” Sgt. Lance Miller said. “We ended up with more than one clean-up site.”

Police said the driver, later identified as Sierra, failed to make the turn and the car crashed through and under a chain-link fence at the T-intersection. Sierra tried to run from the car, but was taken into custody by other responding officers, police said.

Miller said a container was found containing ingredients that were still reacting to make meth. He declined to say if other items were found that had been thrown from the car.

Police also detained a female from the car, but she was later released. The investigation was still ongoing and police have not ruled out other arrests.

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