Marshalltown man charged with drug and weapons charges after traffic stop

Hunter
09/20/21

A Marshalltown man was arrested on drug and weapons charges after being stopped for swerving on I380 Saturday evening.

Police say the incident occurred at 10pm on the southbound portion of the interstate at mile marker two. Francisco Gabriel Barajas Manzo of Union Street in Marshalltown was called in for weaving all over the roadway. A deputy observed the behavior and pulled him over.

A K9 alerted to illegal drugs in the vehicle, and a probable cause search allegedly discovered a gram of suspected methamphetamine. Under the driver’s seat, an unloaded 22 caliber handgun reportedly was discovered.

A check of court records showed multiple valid protective orders against Barajas Manzo, including at least one for a Domestic Assault arrest in Marshalltown this past April.

Barajas Manzo was taken into custody and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance and Dominion or Control of a Firearm as a Domestic Abuser. If convicted on both counts, he could be sentenced to a maximum six years in prison.