Suspect accused of stealing sports car, leading Iowa City Police on downtown chase before crashing

Lang
8/23/23

Iowa City Police say a suspect stole a sports car, then led them on a chase downtown before crashing and trying to flee the scene.

According to arrest records, 32-year-old Yshan Rogers of East Davenport Street found the keys to a 2020 Hyundai Veloster on the floor of an underground parking lot at 130 North Linn Street just after 12:30 Monday afternoon. Rogers allegedly stole the vehicle and was located by police about an hour later near the intersection of Burlington and Clinton Street. A traffic stop was attempted, but Rogers reportedly sped off. Police say he crashed the $18,000 vehicle two blocks away and tried fleeing on foot.

Once captured, Rogers allegedly claimed he was going to drive the vehicle to a friend’s residence in Coralville. Police say he showed signs of intoxication, admitted to drinking about a half-pint of vodka around noon, and admitted to using marijuana and methamphetamine within the previous six hours. A pipe with burnt residue was reportedly found in his pocket.

Rogers is charged with 1st Degree Theft, Eluding, Operating While Intoxicated, and Possession of a Controlled Substance. If convicted on all charges, he faces a maximum of 13 years in prison.