Iowa Man Arrested After High-Speed Chase, Crash Into Utility Pole

"I am a good drunk driver," the Davenport man told Iowa State Patrol after the chase.

Suspect Faces Multiple Charges, Including OWI and Eluding

A 28-year-old Davenport man was taken into custody Sunday night after leading Iowa State Patrol on a high-speed chase through city streets, according to Scott County court records.

Rodricco Parks Jr. faces a felony charge of eluding—exceeding the speed limit by more than 25 mph—along with aggravated misdemeanor charges of driving while barred and operating while under the influence (OWI) for the second time.

Chase Begins After Traffic Stop Attempt

The pursuit started shortly after 1:36 a.m. on Saturday when an Iowa State Patrol officer attempted to pull over a silver Chevy Cruze without plates near West 16th Street and North Gaines Street. Parks was reportedly speeding—65 mph in a 35 mph zone and 39 mph in a 30 mph zone—when officers initiated the stop. Instead of pulling over, he accelerated, prompting a police pursuit.

As the chase continued, Parks allegedly sped southbound on North Harrison Street at 65 mph in a 35 mph zone, ignoring stop signs and red lights. Officers noted that he drove recklessly, cutting over curbs, parking lots, and sidewalks in an apparent attempt to evade capture.

Police Deploy PIT Maneuver, Suspect Flees on Foot

Authorities used a PIT maneuver—a technique designed to spin out and disable a fleeing vehicle—but Parks continued to drive at high speeds, showing what police described as “no regard for the innocent motoring public.” The chase ended near Carey Avenue and East Locust Street when Parks lost control and crashed into a utility pole.

Despite the crash, Parks attempted to flee on foot but was quickly subdued by officers using a Taser. When taken into custody, he displayed signs of intoxication, including bloodshot, watery eyes, slurred speech, and the odor of alcohol. According to court documents, he admitted to consuming “a couple of mixed drinks” before driving and told officers, “I am a good drunk driver.”

Prior Convictions and Court Proceedings

Court records show Parks has a history of similar offenses, including a prior OWI conviction and an eluding charge from 2020. Additionally, his driver’s license has been barred under Iowa’s habitual offender status since November 2022, a restriction that remains in effect until November 2027.

Parks is currently being held at the Scott County Jail on a $5,000 cash-only bond. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 1 in Scott County Court.