Eastern Iowa men charged after chase, catalytic converter theft attempt

(Cedar Rapids, IA) -- Two eastern Iowans are facing charges in connection with a high-speed chase in Cedar Rapids in June. Police say Logan Spencer of Fairfax and Quivadas Gaines of Davenport are also suspected of trying steal catalytic converters from vehicles at a Cedar Rapids car-wash. Both men are in the Linn County Jail. Police say they're looking for two more suspects.

Police say officers tried to stop a Jeep Compass June 4th on the city's southwest side, but the driver drove off, and committed a number of traffic offenses. Police say at one point he was clocked driving 110 miles per hour in 65 mph zone.

During the chase, a passenger 22-year-old Logan Spencer got out of the vehicle and tried to flee on foot. Police took him into custody and say it was determined Spencer has an outstanding warrant for Failure to Appear on a charge of Driving While Barred.

Police say Gaines was identified as one of four suspects involved in the attempted theft of catalytic converters off of a pickup at Blue Lagoon Car Wash, 288 Blairs Ferry Road NE on May 12, 2021 around 4:20 a.m. Investigators secured a search warrant of the suspect vehicle, the 2021 Jeep Compass that was involved in the police pursuit on June 4. 

Police say the vehicle was also seen on surveillance video at the car wash with the four suspects attempting to steal catalytic converters. Investigators found evidence from the Jeep Compass that linked Gaines to the attempted theft at the car wash.  Gaines was already at the Linn County Correctional Center and charged with Criminal Mischief-3rdDegree.

Investigators obtained probable cause to conduct two search warrants of two locations associated with Spencer, including a residence in Fairfax and one in Cedar Rapids. As a result of the search warrants, the Police Department found several power tools and accessories reported stolen from both Cedar Rapids and Iowa City in both June and July from at least two victims. Spencer was charged with Theft-2ndDegree and Theft-3rdDegree. Additionally, this investigation assisted the Iowa City Police Department in a catalytic converter theft case. The Iowa City Police Department subsequently charged Spencer with Theft-3rdDegree, Criminal Mischief-3rdDegree, and Driving While Barred.


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content