Motorcycle driver arrested after early morning pursuit through NE Cedar Rapids

CEDAR RAPIDS — A 35-year-old Mount Vernon man riding a stolen motorcycle was arrested early Friday after a police pursuit through northeast Cedar Rapids.

John Randall Maher faces traffic, drug and theft charges.

Cedar Rapids police officers said they attempted to stop a motorcycle without a rear license plate at 5:04 a.m. near A Avenue NE and 19th Street NE.

Instead of stopping, the motorcycle’s driver continued east on A Avenue at approximately 46 mph in a 25 mph zone, turning onto 21st Street NE.

When driver attempted to turn onto Cottage Grove Avenue SE, which is closed for construction, he lost control of the motorcycle.

Police said Maher attempted to pick up the motorcycle and leave, but officers apprehended and arrested him.

Officers said they found a pipe and methamphetamine in Maher’s possession. Officers also determined he was a “barred driver.”

Maher faces charges of driving while barred, attempt to elude, possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, interference with official acts with injury, disobedience to a traffic control device and speeding.

Police also determined the motorcycle Maher was driving — a 2021 Honda CBR250R — had been reported stolen. He faces an additional charge of second-degree theft.

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