A Linn County inmate is facing more charges after an attempted escape Tuesday. A news release states after leaving dental appointment, a man in restraints tried to escape from the two Linn County Sheriff’s Deputies who escorted him from the appointment. The release identified the inmate as 49-year-old Christopher Kern, who shot at police officers and stole his dog back from a Des Moines based animal rescue in February. Around 10:30 Tuesday morning, deputies took Kern and another inmate to a scheduled appointment in northeast Cedar Rapids. While leaving the office, Kern suddenly assaulted one of the deputies, knocking him to the ground. Both deputies and a bystander then started to struggle to stop Kern. Deputies were able to call for backup, which had deputies along with Hiawatha and Cedar Rapids officers respond to the scene. Kern now faces new charges including assault on persons in certain occupations with injury, interference with officials acts with injury, and attempted escape. Kern has been in the Linn County Jail since February 20. Court documents show he kept Cedar Rapids Police officers at bay for nearly 11 hours during a standoff at the Chelsea apartments on Valor Way southwest. That standoff started the day before a little after 7 p.m. as officers tried to locate Kern. Documents show Kern shot at officers as they tried to contact him. It also shows Kern was on the run from the Des Moines area after he stole his dog from the Animal Rescue League. He was staying at the apartment of Glen Laxamana, who faces charges of interfering in this case.
