Iowa City man arrested after high speed chase while under the influence

IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) – An Iowa City man is facing multiple charges after police say he tried to flee a traffic stop at high speed while under the influence of alcohol early Sunday morning.

In a criminal complaint, police said an officer pulled over a man, later identified as 21-year-old Alexander White, for an equipment violation.

Another vehicle that was not involved in the traffic stop also pulled over, so the officer told White to wait while he went to speak with the driver of the second vehicle.

That’s when White allegedly fled the scene.

The officer got back in his vehicle and a chase ensued, heading northbound on Highway 218 toward the I-380/I-80 interchange. Police said White turned his vehicle’s lights off during the chase.

White reportedly took the exit to I-80 eastbound. The officer said he was traveling at more than 120 mph and was not able to catch up with White’s vehicle.

When the vehicle took exit 240 on I-80, the officer said he saw it spin out of control and come to a stop at the bottom of the ramp.

Both White and a passenger were then arrested at around 3 a.m.

The officer said there was a strong smell of alcohol on White, and two baggies of marijuana were found in the vehicle. A preliminary breath test resulted in a .164% Brac.

White is charged with eluding, operating while under the influence, possession of a controlled substance, and driving while license denied.

Copyright 2024 KCRG. All rights reserved.