Lang
6/28/23
An Iowa City man faces charges that he tried to hot-wire three different mopeds Tuesday morning.
University of Iowa Police say the first moped 35-year-old Rashaud Lee of Hollywood Boulevard unsuccessfully tried to steal was parked outside Van Allen Hall on North Dubuque Street just before 11am. Lee reportedly damaged the ignition and battery system in the process.
Police allege Lee moved on to the Court Street Transportation Center, where his second attempt to hot-wire a moped was also unsuccessful. Lee allegedly found a third moped, which investigators say he was able to successfully start. But, Lee reportedly left the vehicle running as he fled the area before he could take it. Police say he left behind a white powdery substance believed to be methamphetamine, as well as a glass pipe.
The last two attempted thefts were reportedly captured on surveillance video.
Lee allegedly admitted to trying to steal the three mopeds with the intent of driving one home. He was booked into the Johnson County Jail just after 2:15 Tuesday afternoon and charged with three counts of 2nd Degree Theft and one count each of Possession of a Controlled Substance – 2nd Offense and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. If convicted on all charges, he faces a maximum of over 17 years in prison.