Stolen car hits utility pole in Cedar Rapids

Witnesses told police they saw several people running away from a car after it struck a utility pole early Thursday morning in Cedar Rapids.

Officers were called around 3:50 a.m. to the crash in the 2600 block of Meadowbrook Drive SE. They determined the car struck a pole and a box housing phone equipment. Alliant Energy workers responded to stabilize the pole, which did not fall over completely, police said.

According to the police report, witnesses told officers several people, possibly teenagers, ran away from the car after the crash.

Sgt. Cristy Hamblin said the registered owner of the car reported it stolen about an hour after the crash.

An investigation was continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call police at (319) 286-5491.