Police: Meth and Explosive Device Found After High Speed Chase

A potentially dangerous situation was diffused with minimal injuries by the Marion Police after an assault led officers on a car chase into Cedar Rapids where an explosive device was found.

According to a media release, at 2:30 a.m. Wednesday morning Marion police responded to the report of an assault with a weapon at 190 21st Steet in Marion. Officers learned from witnesses that a handgun had been displayed and gained descriptions of three different vehicles.

Officers then trailed three vehicles with descriptions provided by victims into Cedar Rapids. Upon attempting to stop the vehicles, one of the cars allegedly continued to elude police, stopping in a yard at 15th St. and E Ave NE with the driver getting out and allegedly fleeing on foot. The driver, Dustin Michael Whitford, 29, of Hiawatha was then caught by a police canine. 

Investigation of the vehicle allegedly revealed that it contained supplies consistent with the "manufacture of methamphetamine" and a homemade explosive device described as a taped up cardboard tube with a fuse.  The Linn County Bomb Squad was called to dispose of the device.

Dustin Whitford was charged with assault while displaying a handgun, eluding, reckless driving, driving while under a suspended license, drug possession, possession of ephedrine products (meth precursors), and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Also arrested and charged was Lonn Allen Whitford, 48, of Cedar Rapids. He received a charged of first-degree harassment.

Both Dustin Whitford and Lonn Whitford were taken to the Linn County Jail.  The incident remains under investigation, and additional charges are pending.