Man with long record rams car into Cedar Rapids police squad car

A Cedar Rapids man with a lengthy record is back in jail again after driving his car into a police squad car late Sunday.

James F. Surrett, 42, was arrested around 9 p.m. near the intersection of 26th Street and Maple Drive NW. He faces a host of charges, including operating while intoxicated, assault on a peace officer and driving while barred.

Sgt. Cristy Hamblin said officers were at the corner of Johnson Avenue and 26th Street NW when they spotted a car possibly involved in a hit-and-run accident early in the evening. Surrett, who was driving the car, turned down 26th Street NW, but came to a dead end.

Hamblin said officers got out and ordered Surrett to stop, but he would not.

“He started to drive his Firebird at the officer and then swerved and hit the patrol car,” Hamblin said.

With the car stopped, officers were able to get the door open, but Surrett didn't comply with their commands to get out, police said. Hamblin said a Taser was deployed against Surrett to bring him into custody.

Surrett was transported to a local hospital, which is normal procedure for someone who has been shocked by a Taser. He was then transported to the Linn County Jail.

No one was injured, and the squad car sustained only minor damage, Hamblin said.

This latest charge would be Surrett's fifth OWI charge, according to court records. His past criminal record also includes charges for manufacturing methamphetamine, assault causing injury and interference with official acts.