Records: Chadwick was under influence of meth at time of fatal Cedar Rapids crash

CEDAR RAPIDS - Lawson Chadwick was under the influence of methamphetamine at the time of his fatal collision with a city worker last month.

According to court records, a charge of vehicular homicide while driving while impaired as a habitual offender has been filed against Chadwick. The trial information, filed last week, indicates that Chadwick was under the influence of amphetamine and methamphetamine.

Chadwick, 47, was previously charged with vehicular homicide while attempting to elude as a habitual offender and vehicular homicide by reckless driving as a habitual offender in the April 17 crash. He also faces a first-degree theft charge related to stolen equipment found in his truck at the time of his crash.

Chadwick led police on a minute-long high-speed chase the morning of April 17 that started near 10th Street and Eighth Avenue SW and ended when he crashed into a van driven by Water Division employee Stephen J. Cook at the intersection of 16th Avenue and Ninth Street SW after Chadwick ran a stop sign. Cook was thrown from the vehicle and died the following day at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

Police said stolen property valued at more than $10,000 - including equipment, tools and other items - were found in Chadwick's truck.

Court documents have previously indicated that authorities believed Chadwick was under the influence of drugs at the time of the crash. According to a search warrant application filed in April, Chadwick had 'red, bloodshot, watery eyes,” while in the hospital being treated for injuries suffered in the crash. He was also agitated, unable to sit still and was overheard telling an emergency room nurse that he had used heroin the night before.

Vehicular homicide while under the influence is a Class B felony. His other offenses are Class C felonies. A bond hearing has been scheduled for Thursday morning.