Hawkeye Running Back Johnson Arrested for Eluding, Suspended from Team

A University of Iowa running back has found himself suspended from the football team after being charged with a misdemeanor level offense for the .

According to University Heights criminal complaints, De'Andre Johnson, 20, of Iowa City was driving on a motorcycle that departed from his residence at 1311 W. Benton at 9:09 p.m. Saturday evening.

The officer wrote in the complaint that he was sitting stationary at a red-light when he observed Johnson rapidly accelerated from this point of departure, allegedly reaching a speed of 60 mph in a 25 mph zone.

The officer then activated lights and sirens to indicate to Johnson that he should slow down, but Johnson continued to gain distance on the officer, according to the complaint. Johnson then allegedly drove and parked at 1018 W. Benton St. behind a vehicle in the grass.

Johnson allegedly said he was looking for a friend at the residence named "Jake," but noone named Jake could be found, according to the complaint.

Johnson was charged with eluding for the incident, a serious misdemeanor. This joined the charge of disorderly house that he received a few days earlier.

On Sunday, University of Iowa football coach Kirk Ferentz issued a statement that Johnson was suspended from all football activites, and did not provide a length of time for the suspension.

"I was very disappointed to learn of the situation involving De'Andre Johnson Saturday evening," said Ferentz in the statement. "As a result, De'Andre has been suspended immediately from all team activities."

Johnson was expected to compete for playing time this fall in a Hawkeye backfield that has already been depleted by prior injuries and arrests.