Driver runs 10 stop signs, lights during Cedar Rapids police chase

A driver ran 10 stop signs or stop lights during a police chase in Cedar Rapids, and even kept going when he lost a tire, police said.

John D. Thomas, 30, of 5488 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, was arrested on numerous charges after the pursuit, which began around 8 p.m. near the corner of 16th Avenue and Williams Boulevard SW. No one was injured in the incident.

Police said Thomas went to the Linn County Jail to turn himself in on forgery warrants, but  changed his mind before he was taken into custody and left the area. Officers knew areas Thomas frequented and located him pulling out of a parking lot in the 2900 block of Williams Boulevard SW.

An officer clocked Thomas going 60 mph in a 30 mph zone on 16th Avenue SW shortly after activating the police car's emergency lights. He turned south onto J Street SW without stopping, ran a light at Wilson Avenue and continued south past Wilson Middle School before turning west on 25th Street SW, police said.

Thomas turned back north on Third Street SW and ran another Wilson Avenue stop light before one of the tires on his car started disintegrating, police said. With one wheel down to its rim, police said Thomas continued at speeds of up to 40 mph, according to the report.

Police continued to tail the car after it cut over to K Street SW and turned back south. He ran five more stop signs before a police commander called off the pursuit in the 1900 block of K Street SW.

After police stopped following him, Thomas apparently stopped his car in the 300 block of 22nd Avenue SW and ran off. Officers found Thomas' identification in the car, and neighbors pointed out which way he ran.

Police did not immediately find Thomas, but caught up with him around 11:30 p.m. at a relative's house at 2925 Johnson Ave. NW. He was taken into custody on suspicion of attempting to elude, driving with a suspended license and a host of traffic offenses.

Thomas remained at the Linn County Jail on Friday afternoon, in lieu of $52,000 cash bond.