Cedar Rapids man arrested after leading police on chase on Collins Road

A Cedar Rapids man was arrested Wednesday after leading police on a chase that ended when he crashed into two cars on Collins Road.

Cole Michael Offerman, 31, is charged with eluding and driving while barred. According to a criminal complaint, police were watching his house Wednesday because there’s a warrant for his arrest in a case from earlier this year in which he is charged with possessing methamphetamine and other drug-related charges.

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Court records show Offerman failed to report to the Department of Correctional Services, which was a requirement of his being released on bond while awaiting trial for the drug charges. His bond was revoked and a warrant was issued Tuesday.

The officers who were watching his house, on Agin Court NE, Wednesday saw him driving and activated the lights and sirens in their unmarked squad car to attempt a traffic stop. Offerman pulled onto Blairs Ferry Road and sped up to try to get away, the complaint states.

Police pursued Offerman and two marked squad cars also joined the chase, with lights and sirens activated. During the chase, Offerman was speeding 25 mph or more over the limit. He drove on the shoulder of the road on Collins Road NE and weaved in and out of traffic, causing some other vehicles to collide. He eventually crashed into two vehicles, ending the chase, according to the complaint.

The complaint does not state whether anyone was injured in the crash. Offerman’s license to drive was suspended at the time of the crash.

He had his first appearance on the traffic charges Thursday and is being held on a cash-only $7,000 bond for the traffic charges, and a cash-only $25,000 bond on the drug charges.

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