Driver charged in Coralville pursuit, crash that sent several children to hospital

CORALVILLE - The Iowa State Patrol said four people, including three young children, were sent to the hospital after a fleeing driver hit their minivan.

The crash happened at the corner of Coral Ridge Ave. and Commerce Drive in Coralville shortly before 11:30 a.m. Thursday. Lt. Randy Jones of the Iowa State Patrol said a black sedan being pursued by law enforcement exited Interstate 80 and hit the van. The female suspect, identified as 36-year-old Jammie Castillo, was not injured, Jones said.

'It tugs at your heart strings,” Jones said.

Jones said the extent of injuries were not life threatening and the occupants in the minivan were mainly complaining of pain.

The pursuit started in Cedar County and continued west on Interstate 80, Jones said. Law enforcement used a plane to help track the Castillo.

After the crash, the Castillo attempted to get into other vehicles stopped at the busy intersection, Jones said. It's not yet clear why she was running from law enforcement.

Castillo was booked into the Johnson County Jail around 2 p.m. Thursday afternoon. She has been charged with felony eluding and operating while under the influence.