Linn County inmate charged with escape, kidnapping

CEDAR RAPIDS — A Linn County Jail inmate who authorities say escaped from a routine medical transport Tuesday has been formally charged with escape, three counts of third-degree kidnapping and other charges.

According to a criminal complaint against Tyler Glen Deemer, of Cedar Rapids, he escaped from custody by pushing a squad car door open into the deputy transporting him to a medical appointment at 901 Eighth Ave. SE, stunning the deputy and knocking him backward.

Deemer made his way to a residence in the 900 block of 10th Street SE. According to the complaint, he entered, grabbed a knife from the kitchen and ordered the homeowner — an adult woman — and her 10- and 15-year-old children into the laundry room. He changed into the woman’s husband’s clothing and demanded various items from her, including a gun and drugs.

Deemer forced her to call 911 and report an inmate sighting at a different location, in order to direct law enforcement away from him. He stole property from the house, valued between $750 and $1,500. He also stole the woman’s car.

Law enforcement later found Deemer in the stolen car and pursued him. After running the car into a ditch, he ran from officers on foot, but was eventually caught.

Deemer has been charged with first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary, three counts of second-degree kidnapping, second-degree theft, assault while participating in a felony, escape, third-degree theft, three counts of false imprisonment, assault on a peace officer and interference with official acts.

Deemer was previously being held in the jail on charges of first-degree burglary, two counts of first-degree theft, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of short-barreled shotgun, trafficking in stolen weapons, interference with official acts while possessing a firearm, assault while displaying a dangerous weapon, possession of a controlled substance — methamphetamine, and drunken driving.

He is being held in the Linn County Jail on a $100,000 bond.

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