Lang
10/5/23
University of Iowa Police have released more details about a reported kidnapping and domestic assault that led to a police chase near the UI Hospitals and Clinics earlier this week.
Arrest records indicate 38-year-old Christopher Morgan brought the alleged victim to the UIHC just after 3:30 Tuesday afternoon after assaulting her with a pistol inside the Jeep Renegade in which they both live near Walcott. Morgan allegedly threatened to kill the woman and her family before leaving the scene.
UI Police have since released statement indicating officers followed the vehicle for a short distance before initiating a traffic stop at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Byington Road. At that point, the vehicle fled and a pursuit ensued.
Police say Morgan abandoned his vehicle near the intersection of Tanglewood Street and Ventura Avenue, near Dubuque Street and Interstate 80, and fled on foot. He was taken into custody north of I-80, just south of Kyle Drive NE, at approximately 3:58 p.m.
Police say at one point during the pursuit the Jeep left the roadway and traveled on a sidewalk, nearly hitting multiple pedestrians.
Morgan is charged with 1st Degree Kidnapping, 1st Degree Harassment, Willful Injury Causing Serious Injury, Dominion or Control of a Firearm by a Domestic Abuser, Domestic Abuse Assault – 3rd or Subsequent Offense, Interference With Official Acts Involving a Firearm, Driving While Suspended, and multiple traffic violations. The kidnapping charge alone carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. The other charges would total 22 years behind bars.