A Council Bluffs man escaped injuries after his vehicle was struck this (Tuesday) morning during a police chase. Authorities identified the driver of the vehicle struck as Wayne Belt. Officials say the incident happened at around 1:40-a.m.

Pottawattamie County Deputies broadcast that they were in pursuit of a vehicle which was determined to have been stolen out of Mills County, and was heading Southbound on River Road heading towards the Council Bluffs City Limits. Council Bluffs Police Department Officers responded to the area to assist and were able to deploy tire deflation devices (Stop Sticks) to attempt to slow the vehicle. The suspect vehicle ran over the stop sticks causing 3 of its tires to slowly deflate. The vehicle slowed, but continued into the city. The Sheriff’s Deputy terminated the pursuit in the area of 25th and Ave G when his patrol vehicle became disabled.

The suspect vehicle meanwhile continued Southbound on South 25th with Officers no longer in pursuit. At 25th and Broadway the suspect vehicle ran the stoplight and collided with Belt’s vehicle, striking the rear passenger side of his vehicle. The suspect vehicle continued Southbound on 25th until 3rd Ave where the suspects abandoned the vehicle and ran from the area. Witnesses reported seeing a total of three suspects flee the vehicle. An Omaha Police K‐9 Officer responded to assist, however after a search of the area no suspects were located.

Anyone with information concerning the identity of the occupants of the suspect vehicle is requested to contact Crime Stoppers at 328‐STOP(7867) or the Council Bluffs Police Special Operations unit at 712‐328‐4948.