Police chase near Central City ends when stolen Jeep rolls

UPDATE: Linn County deputies were trying to stop a stolen vehicle Thursday when it rolled into a ditch near Central City.

Around 6:45 p.m., a deputy spotted a 2005 Jeep Cherokee in the 1500 block of Waubeek Road that had been reported stolen early Thursday morning from Wrigleyville bar in Marion. A short chase ensued when the driver refused to stop.

The driver went east, and then turned south onto Jordans Grove Road. Authorities said they clocked the fleeing Jeep at 73 mph in a 55 mph zone at one point during the chase. The Jeep went off the road north of the intersection of Barrett Road and Burnett Station Road and rolled over.

The driver of the Jeep was identified as Jesse R. Flitsch, 24, of 1590 Waubeek Rd., Central City. He was taken to St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids, where he was treated for minor injuries, authorities said.

Flitsch was later transported to the Linn County Jail. He has been charged with operating a motor vehicle without the owner's consent, attempting to elude, driving while barred, speeding and failure to maintain control, authorities said.

An investigation was continuing.