The officer pulled up behind the Cavalier and initiated a traffic stop, but Rooney allegedly sped-off, and eventually failed to stop for a traffic signal at Nebraska Avenue while on 35th Street, before he lost control of the Cavalier. The vehicle ended up in the parking lot of a nearby hotel. Officers arrested Rooney on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated-first offense, felony eluding, reckless driving, driving while barred, two counts of failure to maintain control of a motor vehicle, interference with official acts, speeding more than 20 mph above the limit and possession of drug equipment.

Rooney was released from the Pottawattamie County Jail after posting a $5,000 bond.