CEDAR FALLS – Police were involved in a dangerous chase of an allegedly drunk driver in Cedar Falls who smashed into cop cars and tried to flee on foot before he was subdued.
On January 21st, 2023, at 11:35 p.m., Black Hawk County Dispatch received a report of a reckless driver on University Avenue in Cedar Falls. As information was being relayed from dispatch, a Cedar Falls Police Officer was in the area and the driver passed the Officer at a high rate of speed. Cedar Falls Police attempted to initiate a traffic stop on the vehicle and the driver refused to pull over. The driver proceeded southbound on Highway 58, and then eastbound on Highway 20.
Waterloo PD, Hudson PD, and the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office arrived in the area to assist with the pursuit. The pursuit continued southbound on Ansborough, eastbound on Schrock, and then southbound on Dysart Road.
Officers deployed stop sticks which assisted in disabling the vehicle. The suspect pulled into an address in the 8400-Blk Dysart Road. The driver attempted to take off again and struck three patrol vehicles, causing minor damage. The driver eventually exited his vehicle and attempted to flee from officers. The driver was taken into custody.
The suspect, Brandon Blair Choate, 32 years of age. He was charged with the following offenses:
• Eluding, a Class “C” Felony
• OWI 3rd Offense or Subsequent, Class D’ Felony
• Driving while Barred, an aggravated misdemeanor
• Driving while Revoked, a serious misdemeanor
• Interference with Official Acts, a simple misdemeanor
In addition, the driver was charged with several traffic violations. There were no injuries in regards to this incident.
Cedar Falls Police were assisted by Waterloo Police Department, Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office, Black Hawk County Dispatch, Hudson Police Department, and Rasmusson Towing.
(PHOTO: BRANDON BLAIR CHOATE jail photo)
