Cedar Rapids man facing multiple charges after allegedly driving stolen car while intoxicated

Hunter
12/19/23

A Cedar Rapids man is facing multiple charges after reportedly eluding police in a stolen vehicle.

According to the arrest report, 39-year-old Christopher Abercombie of J Street West was observed heading southbound on I-380 going 90 miles an hour in a 70 mile per hour zone at approximately 1:21 am Tuesday.  A traffic stop was attempted, but Abercrombie reportedly failed to stop and sped up to 100 miles per hour in an attempt to elude the officer.

After exiting at Penn Street, Abercrombie allegedly went south on Herky Street and then entered a field before heading westbound on foot.  He was caught after a brief chase, and reportedly had a Glock 48 handgun on his person.

A check of Abercrombie’s criminal record showed a previous 2nd degree theft conviction out of Linn County and his driving status was suspended and revoked.

Abercrombie allegedly showed signs of intoxication, including a strong odor of ingested alcohol, heavily slurred speech and balance issues. After failing field tests, he reportedly admitted post-Miranda to being drunk and provided a breath sample showing his BAC at .199 percent.

Police contacted the owner of the vehicle, a 2013 Chevrolet, and discovered that it had been stolen from a Motel 6 in Cedar Rapids.

Abercrombie has been charged with OWI second offense, 2nd degree Theft, Dominion or Control of a Firearm as a Felon, Carrying Weapons, Possession of a Weapon while Intoxicated, Driving While Revoked, Eluding, Public Intoxication, Speeding, Reckless Driving, and Failure to provide Financial Responsibility. If convicted on all counts, Abercrombie could be sentenced to over 20 years in prison.