Iowa Family Narrowly Avoids Head-On Collision in Police Chase

“Well, you guys, if we die, I love you.” That was the sentiment shared by Beth Wagner as her family’s van became a target of a high-speed police pursuit on Highway 30. Jack Spence, a 19-year-old University of Iowa student, was driving his family home to Nevada when they narrowly avoided a head-on collision with a vehicle fleeing authorities. According to Wagner, she spoke those final words to her grandson and daughter as the number of pursuing patrol units grew to more than 10, prompting them to respond, “I love you too.”

Suspect Vehicle Veers into Oncoming Traffic During Multi-County Pursuit

According to Iowa State Patrol Sgt. Alex Dinkla, the vehicle pursuit began in Marshalltown after a county deputy initiated a traffic stop. The chase spanned multiple counties, eventually leading the family to encounter law enforcement deploying spike strips along the highway. Spence noted that shortly after observing the spike strips, dozens of police vehicles began traveling eastbound. He described seeing officers on the side of the road with the devices used to disable fleeing vehicles.

Iowa family narrowly escapes head-on collision during police chase

As the situation escalated, the suspect’s vehicle veered into westbound traffic, entering the path of the family’s van. Wagner described the sudden danger, stating, “All of a sudden, the car was in the wrong lane, which was our lane.” Spence utilized quick thinking to steer the van onto the shoulder, successfully avoiding a direct impact.

High-Speed Chase Ends in Crash Southwest of Cedar Rapids

The chase concluded southwest of Cedar Rapids. Highway camera footage captured the moment police made contact with the suspect’s vehicle before it eventually crashed. Reflecting on the incident, Wagner described the experience as “indescribable” and a “sobering reminder of life’s unpredictability.”

Following the encounter, the family remained on the side of the road to process the event, noting that other drivers in front of them were also struggling to maneuver around the danger. Despite the harrowing nature of the near-miss, Wagner expressed relief, concluding, “It was a really surreal experience; I mean, we get to live another day.”