18-year-old captured after several high speed chases

Police have arrested 18-year-old Joel Hood, Junior on several charges following three high speed chases in Howard and Winneshiek County.

Police pursued Hood Tuesday morning in Howard and Winneshiek County, but Hood was able to elude the officers.  Around 4:00 p.m. Tuesday Iowa State Patrol Trooper Gregg Rude spotted Hood's car on Highway 9.  Rude attempted to stop the vehicle, but Hood drove onto 235th Avenue and sped away.  Hood then allegedly pulled into 2350 Pole Line Road and made a u-turn, then rammed the trooper's vehicle and fled westbound on Pole Line Road.

Hood was able to escape from Rude, but not from a nearby Winneshiek County deputy, who began a third chase.  That chase ended when Hood lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a diotch at 262nd Avenue and 265th Street.  Hood was clocked traveling at over 100 miles an hour.

Felony charges of attempting to elude peace officers and of assault on a police officer with a dangerous weapon (vehicle).  Charges of interference with official acts and driving while revoked have also been filed.  Hood also was allegedly in possession of controlled substances and has further charges pending in Howard and Winneshiek counties.

The Iowa State Patrol, Winneshiek County Sheriff's Department, Howard County Sheriff's Department, Decorah Police, Cresco Police, Calmar Police, Decorah Fire Department and Winneshiek County Ambulance were all involved in the incidents.