Lang
10/6/23
A Florida man faces numerous charges after allegedly crashing a stolen vehicle during a Coralville police chase.
24-year-old Juan Diego Romero Hernandez of Miami is accused of stealing the keys to a 2020 Toyota Highlander from a gym in Cedar Rapids. The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office says Romero Hernandez was discovered driving the vehicle southbound on Interstate 380 just before 9:45 Wednesday night. A pursuit ensued, which moved southbound to I-80, then eastbound to Highway 965. The chase continued throughout the Coral Ridge Mall parking lot before Romero Hernandez exited onto the Coralville Strip. He allegedly reached speeds up to 100 miles per hour as he shut off his headlights and began passing other vehicles. A short time after the pursuit was terminated, Romero Hernandez struck a curb and disabled the vehicle. Police say he fled on foot before finally being apprehended in the Applebee’s parking lot, where he was found hiding behind a car.
Romero Hernandez is charged with Operating a Vehicle Without Owners’ Consent, Felony Eluding and Interference With Official Acts. If convicted on all charges, he faces a maximum of over seven years in prison.