Woman led officers on 125 mph chase in Iowa in stolen cop car, police say

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Multiple law enforcement agencies were part of a chase that began in West Des Moines and ended in Altoona Thursday morning after police say a woman stole a police car.

Sgt. Dan Wade, the Public Information Officer for the West Des Moines Police Department, said the incident began around 2:00 a.m. when an officer responded to the area of S. 60th and Village View Drive on a mental health call. While trying to assist an adult woman at the location, Sgt. Wade said she slipped into the police car and drove away.

Police were able to track the car using GPS as the woman went east on Mills Civic Parkway, then north on I-35/80. The top speed of the chase was clocked at 125 miles per hour said Sgt. Wade. Near 86th Street on I-80 stop sticks were used to try to disable the vehicle.

The vehicle exited I-80 in Altoona and came to rest at the intersection of Highway 65 and 8th Street, where law enforcement was able to take the driver into custody. The chase lasted about 20 minutes.

Sgt. Wade said the driver has been hospitalized to receive the mental health treatment she needs but will face charges upon her release.

One other responding law enforcement vehicle had minor damage from the incident, but no bystanders were injured or involved.

The Iowa State Patrol, Urbandale Police Department, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and Altoona Police Department assisted the West Des Moines Police Department in the pursuit and arrest.

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