Jaywalking leads to footchase, arrest in Cedar Rapids

One man's decision to cross the street illegally Friday night landed him behind bars.

Fernaris Braggs, 30, of 1833 B Ave. NE, Unit C, has been charged with possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, possession of a firearm by a felon and interference with official acts after the jaywalking led to a footchase.

According to police, officers saw Braggs cross in front of two cars near 12th Avenue and C Street SW around 10 p.m., which forced them to slow down. When the squad car pulled up to Braggs, he took off running and ignored commands to stop, police said.

Braggs ran west toward the 1600 block alley between C and D streets SW, and officers heard something hit a house. A Taser was deployed to bring Braggs into custody in a parking lot nearby. Sgt. Cristy Hamblin said Braggs had five baggies of marijuana in his possession.

Officers went back to the house where they had heard the noise, and found a loaded handgun on the awning of a porch. Braggs was taken to the Linn County Jail, where he remained Tuesday in lieu of $25,000 bond.