Girl injured in chase remains hospitalized

SOLON - A girl injured when a Des Moines man tried to evade police last week remains hospitalized, the state patrol said.

Sgt. Nathan Ludwig said Monday the passenger in Jeffrey D. Rangel, Jr.'s car is still in the hospital. Ludwig could not disclose the juvenile's name or condition, he said.

The girl was injured on Nov. 22 during a high-speed chase that began near Tiffin and ended outside of Solon. The state patrol said they attempted to stop Rangel for speeding on Interstate 80, but the 20-year-old sped off after initially pulling over. A chase ensued on the interstate that eventually went north toward Solon on Highway 1.

Rangel reportedly hit speeds of 116 mph in a 55 mph zone and forced vehicles into the shoulder with his erratic driving. The chase was initially called off when Rangel reached the Solon city limits, but re-engaged when Rangel fled north from the community. Police said there were concerns that Rangel, a registered sex offender convicted earlier this year of assault with intent to commit sexual abuse, could have been holding his female passenger against her will.

The case ended in the 5700 block of 160th Street when Rangel left the road and hit a telephone pole. He was taken into custody and his passenger was extricated from the vehicle and taken to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in critical condition, authorities said.

Rangel faces one count of eluding resulting in injury, a Class D felony punishable by up to five years in prison, as well as multiple traffic offenses. He remains in custody on a $5,000 cash bond.

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