Lang
8/31/19
Johnson County Sheriff’s deputies have arrested a Cedar Rapids man they say stole two cars and led police on a chase through the Terry Trueblood Recreation Area, nearly running over multiple pedestrians.
According to Iowa City Police, just after 11am Saturday officers responded to a report of an intoxicated driver in the area of the Iowa City Animal Center on Napoleon Lane. Officers located the driver, later identified as 35-year-old Quentin Hamilton of J Street Southwest, at Terry Trueblood. Police say Hamilton fled by driving the vehicle onto the pedestrian path, nearly striking ten pedestrians who were able to jump out of the way as he raced down the nearly one-mile path. He then ditched the car and ran away on foot.
Hamilton eventually stole a Ford F-350 from Ace Auto on South Riverside Drive, crashing through a gate to escape the parking lot. He then drove off to Dane Road. Johnson County Sheriff’s Deputies pursued Hamilton to the Stutsman substation in Riverside, where a deputy had to ram the truck in order to stop him. Hamilton was caught after an ensuing foot chase.
During the car chase Hamilton drove through several yards and corn and bean fields, causing an estimated $10,000 in damage. A drug recognition expert determined he was under the influence of cannabis.
Hamilton is charged with 3rd Degree Burglary, Interference with Official Acts, 2nd Degree Criminal Mischief, Driving While License Denied or Revoked, Reckless Driving, Operating While Intoxicated 2nd Offense and ten counts of Assault While Displaying a Dangerous Weapon. If convicted on all charges, he faces a maximum of over 55 years in prison.