High-speed chase covers 25 miles in Linn, Benton counties

Authorities said a drunk driver led them on a high-speed chase that covered 25 miles early Wednesday morning.

Richard C. Rich, 27, of Cedar Rapids, faces numerous charges after the chase, which deputies said reached speeds of up to 100 mph. The incident ended safely when police used stop sticks to pop the vehicle's tires near the corner of Ellis Boulevard and N Street NW in Cedar Rapids.

According to the Linn County sheriff's office, a deputy pulled Rich over for a minor traffic violation around 2:20 a.m. in Palo. Rich sped off to the west, into Benton County, before winding back toward Cedar Rapids.

Maj. Gerald Hansel said the chase lasted about 30 minutes before deputies took Rich into custody. He said no property was damaged and no one was injured.

"It all resulted well," Hansel said.

In addition to traffic charges, Rich was arrested on suspicion of operating while intoxicated, possession of a controlled substance and carrying a concealed handgun.

Rich was taken to the Linn County Jail, but was released on bond around mid-day Wednesday. An investigation was continuing.