Driver flown to UIHC after chase, rollover on Highway 30

LINN COUNTY - A traffic stop in Mount Vernon led to a chase and crash on Highway 30 Sunday afternoon.

Mount Vernon police say officers received a report of a black Mitsubishi Eclipse possibly under the control of a drunken driver. The car was located around 4:23 p.m. traveling westbound on Highway 30 near First Street E in Mount Vernon. Police attempted to stop the vehicle near where the highway intersects with Irish Lane, coming to a stop at the Wilcox Road intersection.

When officers prepared to approach the car, it took off west on Highway 30 and police gave chase, according to a release from the Mount Vernon Police Department.

The driver of the car, identified as 52-year-old Steven Alger, took the ramp leading from Highway 30 to north on Highway 13. While attempting to exit the highway, police say Alger lost control of his vehicle and entered the median. The car rolled, and Alger was ejected.

Lifeguard Air Ambulance flew Alger to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Sgt. Doug Shannon says his injuries are not life-threatening.

Charges against Alger are pending, according to the release.