VINTON, Iowa (KCRG-TV9) -- Vinton police are searching for a man wanted by the United States Marshal's Service on active federal warrants.
Vinton police got word from the U.S. Marshal's Service on Wednesday saying Kody Joe Harris, 35, was heading to Vinton. Police saw Harris driving about 10:15 p.m. Wednesday and followed him. Police say as they approached, Harris sped off and drove at more than 80 miles per hour through downtown Vinton, ignoring all road signs.
Officers lost sight of him, but people in the area of the Cedar River told police that he had hid his car and gone into the woods.
Officers weren't able to find Harris, but they did arrest his passenger who was hiding in the woods. April Nichole Baldwin, 37 and from Cedar Rapids, also had a warrant out for her arrest. Her warrant is out of Linn County for a probation violation. For Wednesday's chase, she faces weapons and interference with official acts charges.
Police are still looking for Harris. They don't believe he has violent tendencies, but they think he probably is still in the Vinton area. The police department is reminding everyone to not leave vehicles unattended with keys inside. Anyone with information should call Vinton Police at 319-472-2321 or the U.S. Marshals Office in Cedar Rapids at 319-362-4411.
Police also say people trying to shoot video of the chase hindered their efforts to catch Harris. According to a release, one officer had to avoid hitting the people running into the street to try to get video. Police are warning people to remain a safe distance away from police activity.