Man takes police on high-speed chase then tries to report car stolen, police say

A Cedar Rapids man tried to report his car stolen after taking police on a high-speed chase then fleeing on foot, according to a police report.

According to a Cedar Rapids Police Department complaint, William Atkinson, 25, was arrested early Monday and charged with one count each of attempt to elude, operating while under the influence of alcohol (second offense), interference with official acts and providing false identification.

Police tried to stop Atkinson, who was driving 112 mph in a 60-mph zone on Interstate 380 near the 29th Street exit, but he did not pull over, eventually exiting I-380 and continuing to drive more than 25 mph above the speed limit while running several red lights, according to the complaint.

Atkinson finally stopped near the Linn County Izaak Walton League shooting range, 5401 42nd Street NE, and fled on foot, the complaint said.

Officers spoke to the passenger in Atkinson's vehicle who identified Atkinson and said they had been drinking at several bars before the chase, according to the complaint.

As the search for the driver continued, Atkinson called 911 to report his car stolen. Officers soon found him about a half mile from the car, and he showed several signs of intoxication, the complaint said.

According to the complaint, Atkinson also gave officers a false name after being found.

Attempt to elude is a Class D felony, a second OWI is an aggravated misdemeanor, and interference with official acts and providing false identification are both simple misdemeanors