Motorcyclist in police chase released from hospital, faces OWI charge

A motorcycle driver was legally drunk as he led officers on a police chase through Cedar Rapids last week, authorities said.

Theodore R. Bascom, 44, of 2876 Spruce Ave. SE, faces several charges after the incident, including operating while intoxicated, attempting to elude and driving with a suspended license. Police said Bascom was going faster than 80 mph on Thursday before he lost control and crashed in the 2400 block of McCarthy Road SE.

Bascom and his fiancee, Krystal L. Williams, 29, who also was riding the bike, were thrown off and injured. According to a criminal complaint, Bascom's blood alcohol content was measured at 0.114 at St. Luke's Hospital.

According to a police report, an officer tried to stop a motorcycle around 8:50 a.m. Thursday after he saw the driver pop two wheelies in Czech Village. Police said Bascom sped off at a high rate of speed, crossed the 12th Avenue bridge and continued past Metro High School.

Bascom lost control as he was coming out of a curve and going down a hill on McCarthy Road SE. The bike jumped the curb and hit a telephone junction box.

Bascom and Williams were taken to St. Luke's Hospital by ambulance. Bascom suffered broken ribs and was hospitalized until Sunday afternoon, police said. He was transported to the Linn County Jail.

Williams was treated and released from the hospital Thursday, and was arrested on a warrant for child endangerment and interference with official acts.

Both Bascom and Williams remained in custody Tuesday.