Cedar Rapids man arrested after pursuit, standoff

CEDAR RAPIDS — A police standoff Friday morning ended with a Cedar Rapids man in custody.

According to Cedar Rapids public safety spokesman Greg Buelow, the incident began at 1:06 a.m. Friday when police were called to 727 Third St. SW for a disturbance call. The alleged victim told police 22-year-old Christopher J. McGee had stolen items from her, including a safe.

The woman also reported McGee was armed with a handgun during the theft.

Responding officers saw McGee getting into a vehicle parked behind 727 Third St. SW. As McGee drove toward the officers, they recognized him as a suspect who had a warrant for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Police tried to pull over McGee, but he instead tried to flee from officers. Buelow said a pursuit ensued that lasted several blocks and reached high rates of speed.

Buelow said the pursuit lasted approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

McGee eventually pulled into the Cedar Valley Townhomes, 3000 J Street SW, and fled from the still moving vehicle. Police said the suspect's vehicle kept moving and hit a parked vehicle.

Still armed with a handgun, McGee ran into the 2700 building of the complex and entered an apartment unit. Police surrounded the building, evacuated the other residents and obtained a search warrant for the apartment. At approximately 4:46 a.m., the department's Special Response Team entered the apartment and took McGee into custody. No one was injured during the incident.

Buelow said McGee did not live in the apartment he entered. A woman was inside the apartment with McGee and she was not harmed during the incident.

McGee was arrested and taken to the Linn County Jail on his pre-existing warrant as well as charges of driving while barred, eluding and numerous traffic charges. Buelow said more charges are likely.