Lang
7/26/23
A suspected Iowa City moped thief faces new charges after a brief police chase last week.
35-year-old Rashaud Lee of Hollywood Boulevard was booked into the Johnson County Jail just before 6:30 Tuesday night. Iowa City Police say an officer saw Lee riding a black Bintelli moped on the 500 block of East Burlington Street just after 5:45pm on July 20th. Lee was known to be a habitually barred driver with a history of stealing mopeds.
Lee reportedly ignored orders to pull over, leading police on a brief chase before ditching the moped on the pavement in front of 620 South Johnson Street and escaping on foot.
An investigation determined that the moped had been stolen earlier in the day. Between being hotwired and thrown to the pavement, the vehicle suffered about $500 in damage.
Lee was captured by police just before 6:00 Tuesday night after he was reportedly caught hiding behind a car tire on the 400 block of South Linn Street. Iowa City Police say he was in possession of a baggie of suspected methamphetamine and a baggie of suspected marijuana.
Lee is charged with 2nd Degree Theft, Eluding – 2nd or Subsequent Offense, Driving While Barred, and Possession of a Controlled Substance – 3rd or Subsequent Offense. If convicted on all of those charges, he faces a maximum of 11 years in prison.
Lee is also facing other charges related to previous reported moped thefts.