Chase through Marion ends in arrest

CEDAR RAPIDS - A traffic stop turned into a pursuit early Wednesday morning.

According to the Linn County Sheriff's Office, around 1:08 a.m., a deputy attempted to pull over Diante Dickens, 23, of Cedar Rapids, in the area of East Post Road and Bever Avenue. Authorities said Dickens refused to stop and instead fled north into Marion. A license plate check of the vehicle revealed it was reported stolen out of Wisconsin, police said.

Authorities said a short chase ensued through parts of Marion before Dickens and his passenger, 29-year-old Ashley Pledge, of Marion, exited the car and fled on foot. Both Dickens and Pledge were quickly captured, police said.

Dickens now faces charges of driving with a suspended license, interference with official acts, second-degree theft, eluding and speeding. Pledge faces one count of interference with official acts.

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