Police stop Cedar Rapids man in stolen car after chase

Police recovered a stolen vehicle and arrested the man who had been driving it after a short chase in Cedar Rapids.

Christopher Mort, 38, of 285 38th St. Dr. SE, No. 12, was arrested on suspicion of second-degree theft, attempting to elude, driving with a suspended license and interference with official acts. Police said he tried to get away, first in the stolen vehicle and then on foot, when they tried to pull him over.

Shortly before 2 a.m. Friday, officers ran the plates on a vehicle near the corner of 35th Street and G Avenue NE, and realized it had been reported stolen from Independence on April 25. When the officer turned on the lights on top of the patrol car, police said Mort turned off the headlights on the stolen vehicle and sped away.

Mort stopped the vehicle in a driveway after a couple blocks and ran away between houses, police said. Sgt. Cristy Hamblin said Mort jumped over more than one fence, and dropped a backpack next to one of them. Police found a drug pipe and Mort's identification card inside the still-warm bag.

Within a few minutes, police found Mort hiding inside a shed at 1117 35th St. NE. Hamblin said he came out and was compliant when officers announced that they had a K-9 unit dog with them.

Mort was additionally cited for driving without required headlights and possession of drug paraphernalia, in addition to the other charges. He was taken to the Linn County Jail.