Cedar Rapids man leads police on high speed chase

CEDAR RAPIDS - A Cedar Rapids man is accused of leading police on a high-speed chase through the city Sunday evening.

According to Cedar Rapids public safety spokesman Greg Buelow, officers initiated a traffic stop at J Street and 16th Avenue SW on 48-year-old Charles E. Ford just before 10 p.m. Police said it was determined Ford had warrants out for his arrest. When officers approached his vehicle, Ford took off, police said.

Police said Ford led them on a high-speed chase through southwest and northwest Cedar Rapids, including 70 mph in a 30 mph zone. He also failed to stop for 18 stop signs or traffic control lights, police said.

Ford stopped in the 3000 block of Sixth Street and a passenger got out of the vehicle, Buelow said. The passenger told police he did not want to be in a chase and did not know why Ford was fleeing from them.

Ford finally ended the chase at 10:10 p.m. in the 5500 block of Sixth Street SW. His charges include possession of a controlled substance, eluding, speeding and other moving violations.

l Comments: (319) 398-8238; lee.hermiston@thegazette.com