Last night around midnight, a stolen car was spotted in SW Davenport. It was trailed, I believe by an undercover car, until it pulled into the drive-thru of the Burger King on Rockingham. At that point the police were going to try and box it in in the drive-thru lane, but from what I've gathered, the suspects had other ideas. They must have driven over the curb or somehow gotten past the police, although they then smashed the car into a concrete barrier and fled on foot. At least one, and possibly both, were caught after a foot chase. I missed a few things on the police radio, because I do occasionally have work to do at work. I did talk to someone who drove by soon after it happened, and they said the car looked totaled. I don't think they rammed one of the police vehicles, or else it would probably make the news.
I would suspect that the occupants of the stolen car figured the police would be unable to chase them if they drove off, but stolen cars are one of the precious few things that can be pursued in Davenport. This incident just highlights how frequently criminals are running from the cops at this point. If you're wanted for something serious, there's almost nothing to lose by running. Chances are you'll get away, and live to commit a crime another day. I've even seen it happen right outside my window here at 5th and Iowa.
I've said it before, but I believe the strict limits on high speed pursuits are contributing to crime in Davenport. However, the other side would ask, "What if something terrible happens in a high speed pursuit and an innocent bystander is hurt or killed?" This is why officers would need to use their best discretion on when are where a chase is worth the risk. While chases do risk citizens lives, sometimes letting these people get away may risk just as many. How can we stop the crime problem in Davenport when we're literally letting the criminals drive away?
9 comments:
Does anyone know if there are blog columns such as QCI for the Bettendorf area? With all of the activities going on in Bettendorf it would make for interesting reading. Bettendorf is not as clean as they want us to believe and I would like to read what their citizens/taxpayers have to say. Thanks
Compared to Davenport, you could eat from the Bettendorf's drug dog's dish. --Ghost
I'm curious what Bettendorf taxpayers think of $24M of their budget going towards the casino events center project.
If it were not for Davenport, Bettendork would not exist.
QCI Nice post..........
There's one on West 3rd.
Where on West 3rd is a red light camera?
There's a speed camera at 3rd and Pine.
Ah, I hadn't noticed that Winding Hills specifically said red light, although I see now that he did.
I think the red light cameras are less controversial than the speed ones, but I could be wrong. Anyone else feel that way?
Discretion becomes an issue when such high speed chases enter so many jurisdictions. Invariably most chase suspects head for a bridge, so unless all departments follow similar tactics incidents seem to end with alot of damage.
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