Head-on collision following police pursuit causes temporary traffic delays on Highway 30

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – A police chase that ended in a crash has temporarily closed westbound Interstate 30 near the Williams Boulevard exit in Cedar Rapids.

Cedar Rapids police and firefighters each responded to a vehicle pursuit that began in Marshall County shortly after 3 p.m. Friday.

The pursuit ended near the Williams Boulevard exit.

Authorities say there are injuries, but no details have been given at this time.

What happened

Video shows officers pursuing a vehicle along Highway 30. Dispatch reported speeds around 80 mph.

Urgent calls were heard on the police radio as officers chased a black car. Officers also heard reports of a gun and shots being fired during the chase.

“He’s firing shots, units,” a voice says in the scanner audio. In another clip from the scanner, a voice said: “You are ready to work on the vehicle. »

Scanner audio and DOT cameras captured the moment the chase ended. The video shows a police car in pursuit, making contact with the black car, followed by a head-on collision with a white car. A voice on the scanner said, “We need fire units ASAP.” »

Within minutes, dozens of police officers and first responders were on scene.

The crash closed the eastbound and westbound lanes of Highway 30. Drivers were diverted around the scene, causing traffic jams.

Eastbound Highway 30 reopened shortly before 5 p.m.

Cedar Rapids police said the chase began in Marshall County and ended near Williams Boulevard and Interstate 30 Southwest.

The Iowa State Patrol is leading the investigation.

Authorities confirmed the injuries but did not release details on the number of people injured or their conditions.

This is a developing story and will be updated.