ICPD: Man tried eating marijuana during traffic stop

Lang
6/27/21

Allegedly trying to eat marijuana after he was pulled over by police has led to an Iowa City man’s arrest.

Iowa City Police initiated a traffic stop on a 2002 Jeep Liberty going 51 miles per hour in a 30 mile per hour zone southbound on Riverside Drive near Myrtle Avenue just after 2:15 Sunday morning. The car continued eastbound on Benton Street before finally pulling over near Oaknoll Court. The arresting officer reports seeing the driver stuff something into his mouth and chewing before initiating contact.

The driver, identified as 45-year-old Stephen Pickett of Westwinds Drive, allegedly had the odor of fresh marijuana on his breath, and approximately one gram of chewed marijuana was recovered from his mouth.

Pickett also allegedly showed signs of intoxication, and registered a blood alcohol content of .137%. He was arrested and charged with Operating While Intoxicated, Possession of a Controlled Substance and Interference With Official Acts. If convicted on all charges, he faces a maximum of 25 months in jail.