Lang
7/4/21
A Hope House resident wanted for absconding earlier this year was captured after a lengthy Friday night foot chase in Iowa City.
Iowa City Police say an officer stopped 39-year-old Brian Luedtka just after 9:30pm for a pedestrian traffic violation at the corner of Highway 6 and Keokuk Street. When questioned about his identity, Luedtka allegedly gave a fake name and date of birth. Police say he fled while they were looking up the information. Luedtka was captured after an estimated 500-yard foot chase. He allegedly had a spoon, scale, syringe and Q-Tips in his backpack.
Luedtka was arrested and charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Providing False Identity Information, Interference with Official Acts and Absence From Custody. The last charge stems from the fact that Luedtka allegedly absconded from Hope House in Coralville on May 25th.
If convicted on all charges, Luedtka faces a maximum of 15 months in jail.
Luedtka has absconded from the Holiday Road facility at least two other times. He was sentenced to stay at Hope House after pleading guilty to felony theft and criminal mischief charges in 2019. Luedtka also pleaded guilty to Robbery and Interference With Official Acts Causing Bodily Injury charges after robbing Midwest One Bank on Highway 965 in North Liberty in 2008.