Hunter
07/24/23
A Davenport man who failed to return to Hope House last month was arrested early Monday after a traffic stop found him with drugs.
Austin Guthmiller was signed out June 13th for a visit to Community Family and Resources, but failed to return at the agreed-upon time of 1:40pm. A warrant was issued for his arrest the next day.
Guthmiller’s whereabouts remained unknown until he was stopped for a moving and seatbelt violation just after 2am Monday near the intersection of southbound I-380 and 120th Street. He allegedly provided two names and dates of birth that were determined to be false. Guthmiller was then arrested and charged with Interference with Official Acts.
An inventory of his vehicle reportedly turned up a glass pipe with suspected methamphetamine residue behind the front passenger seat, and a bag of suspected methamphetamine in the driver’s side door. A probable cause search also allegedly found additional drug paraphernalia.
Guthmiller was driving a vehicle that belongs to a company he stated he owns. His driving status was found to be barred as an habitual offender, revoked for OWI test failure, and suspended due to non-payment of Iowa fines.
Guthmiller was charged with Absence from Custody, 2nd offense Drug Possession, possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving while Barred, Driving while Suspended, Driving while Revoked, Providing False ID information, Keeping a Vehicle for Controlled Substances, and violations for seat belt and financial responsibility. If convicted on all counts, Guthmiller could be sentenced to over eight years in prison.