New Jersey trucker in custody after long pursuit on Interstate 80

A New Jersey tractor-trailer driver remains in a Des Moines hospital Tuesday with charges pending after leading authorities on a 75-mile chase on Interstate 80.

Iowa State Patrol troopers began searching for the vehicle shortly after 6:30 a.m. Tuesday after emergency dispatchers received multiple reports of a tractor-trailer pulling a chain on Interstate 80 near Underwood to the west of Iowa sparks.

According to the Iowa State Patrol, the vehicle was near Avoca, but the driver, who has not been publicly identified, did not respond to commands to stop.

Various law enforcement agencies deployed stop sticks as the vehicle approached the Des Moines metro in the eastbound lanes of I-80, successfully deflating several tires, according to the Iowa State Patrol. The vehicle continued to drive on its rims until approximately 8:10 a.m. when pursuing officers forced him to stop at the weigh station between the Van Meter and Waukee exits.

Authorities forced him out of the taxi using tear gas and he was taken to a hospital in Des Moines for evaluation.

Sergeant. Iowa State Patrol spokesman Alex Dinkla said it was unclear why the driver didn’t stop to call authorities, but it didn’t appear he intended to harm anyone.

“This driver actually showed consideration for the safety of others while driving,” Dinkla said. “(He) took safety measures while driving, even when he did not stop for police.”

You can watch part of the chase in the video player above and more videos below.

Des Moines police sent out a message around 8:08 a.m. warning residents that travel on eastbound Interstate 235 was restricted due to the chase. Shortly after 8:30 a.m., Des Moines Police announced that traffic had reopened on eastbound I-235.

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