Cedar Rapids police chase with motorcyclist ends in crash

CEDAR RAPIDS — A 48-year-old man suffered serious injuries when he sparked a police chase that ended when he crashed his motorcycle.

Cedar Rapids police took a call about a motorcyclist, Leon Sheley of Hiawatha, driving recklessly Thursday afternoon in a southeast side neighborhood. Police said an officer then spotted Sheley popping a wheelie in the 700 block of 15th Street SE.

The officer tried to pull Sheley over, but he took off. During the chase, police say he hit a curb at Third Avenue and 15th Street SE, where he nearly crashed. Sheley also was nearly hit by a vehicle at the intersection of Grande Avenue and 19th Street SE. Officers then called off the chase.

Officers were then flagged down by a jogger, who saw Sheley hit a home in the 2400 block of Grande Avenue SE. He remains hospitalized for his injuries.