Lang
8/27/22
KCJJ has obtained aerial photos of the damage caused to a cornfield following a police chase through southeast Iowa City Friday afternoon.
A video has also emerged on social media of the chase itself, which temporarily locked down a nearby elementary school.
Officers say they began pursuing a stolen 2006 Toyota Tacoma being driven by 36-year-old Deonte House just before 2:45 Friday afternoon on Highway 6 near Johnson-Muscatine Road. The chase continued on Highway 6 into Iowa City before the stolen car turned south onto Sycamore Street. Police say House eventually drove into the cornfield south and west of the Sycamore Trail before ditching the car and attempting to flee on foot. Damage to the corn in the field is estimated at over $10,000.
As officers searched the field, nearby Alexander Elementary School was briefly locked down, and Johnson County deputies briefly set up a perimeter at the Sycamore Apartments on Kountry Lane, which sits along the south border of the field.
House was eventually taken into custody. A search of the vehicle reportedly turned up a duffel bag containing marijuana, and unknown substance wrapped in foil and paper with House’s name on it.
House is charged with 2nd Degree Theft, Felony Eluding, 1st Degree Criminal Mischief, Trespassing Causing Damage Over $300, Possession of a Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of a Prescription Drug. If convicted on all charges, House faces a maximum of 23 years in prison. He lists his address as both Des Moines and Cicero, Illinois.
The video of the chase…which contains strong language…shows a Johnson County deputy speed southbound on Sycamore near Langenberg Avenue, passing the woman shooting the video. The stolen car can be seen in the distance pulling into the driveway of a nearby residence on the roundabout at Sycamore and McCollister. It eludes police…including one patrol car that struck the vehicle in a pit attempt…before fleeing into the cornfield.
You can download the video here. WARNING: Contains strong language
Photos of the path the stolen car took through the cornfield:
