News : Harris and Baldwin arrested in Cedar Rapids

April Baldwin

Kody Harris

On August 9th, the Vinton Police Department asked for the public's help to locate Kody Harris and April Baldwin.

The two had been involved in a vehicle pursuit. Harris was wanted by federal authorities for a probation violation. During the pursuit Harris’ speed was estimated at more than 80 mph.

Citizens in the area observed Harris abandon the car and run into the woods near the Cedar River and alerted the Vinton Officers. During the search of the area officers found a female who was a passenger from Harris’ car hiding in the wooded brush.

The female was identified as April Baldwin, of Cedar Rapids. Baldwin had an active warrant from Linn County for probation violation. Baldwin was arrested and transported to the Benton County Jail. Baldwin will also face local charges from the Vinton Police. Officers were unable to locate Harris at the time.

The two were arrested today in Cedar Rapids. A local officer tried to make a traffic stop when they realized the vehicle had license plates that didn't belong to that truck. The vehicle driven by 35-year-old Kody Harris of Vinton, didn't stop. Harris kept driving the truck but slowed down for a "Road Closed Ahead" sign, but drove through the road closure and construction. The truck crashed into construction vehicles, when Harris and Baldwin from Cedar Rapids got out and began to run.

Officers arrived at the scene and deployed a K9. Together they were able to arrest the suspects.

Harris was arrested for Theft-2nd Degree, Inference with Official Acts, Felony Eluding, Failure to Provide Proof of Financial Liability, Fraudulent Use of Registration, Speeding – 2 counts (80 mph in 35 mph zone at 6th Street and 58th Avenue SW) and (90 mph in 45 mph zone in the 8000 block of 6th Street SW), Failure to Obey Traffic Control Device (US 30/NW Ramp and 6th Street SW stop light) and (Wright Brothers Boulevard and 6th Street SW). He also had outstanding warrants from the United States Marshals Service and Vinton Police Department. One of the warrants was for Probation Violation-Amphetamine.

Baldwin was arrested and had a warrant for Revocation of Probation on Forgery charges. Harris was in possession and operating a stolen pickup that was from Burlington. As area police reminded everyone back in August, don't leave your vehicles unattended with keys in them An arrest or criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant(s) is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.