Hunter
09/15/21
An Iowa City man has been arrested after an attempted traffic stop in Linn County turned into a high-speed chase.
The Gazette reports that state troopers attempted to stop 18-year-old Steffon Nichols on Interstate 380 for a traffic violation near Wright Brothers Boulevard Southwest, but he allegedly refused to stop.
Nichols reportedly reached speeds of up to 120 miles per hour while passing semis on the shoulder. He exited at Wright Brothers Boulevard, and troopers continued the chase as Nichols’ speed allegedly hit 128 miles per hour before he lost control and drove into a ditch.
Nichols reportedly told authorities he fled because he didn’t have a valid driver’s license. Troopers allegedly found marijuana on his person when taking him into custody. A passenger was reportedly injured during the incident, but they were treated and released.
Nichols has been charged with Eluding while participating in a felony, first offense marijuana possession, and numerous traffic violations. If convicted, he faces up to six years in prison.