Transient found with stolen truck in Iowa City

Lang
5/23/24

A transient was reportedly found with a stolen truck in Iowa City.

According to arrest records, on Tuesday 61-year-old Michael Johnson was seen on remote cameras driving a 2016 Chevy Silverado which did not belong to him. The vehicle was reported stolen the previous day. Iowa City Police say they found the vehicle parked at Old Brick on East Market Street just after 12:15 Tuesday afternoon. Johnson was found in the driver’s seat with the keys in the ignition and his personal property inside the vehicle. Also found inside the truck was a glass pipe with residue, which Johnson allegedly admitted he used to smoke marijuana.

Police say Johnson claimed someone he knew let him borrow the truck, which is valued at over $36,000, but he refused to identify that person. The truck’s owner told investigators they don’t know Johnson and he had no right to use the vehicle.

Johnson, who carries a Maryland driver’s license,  is charged with 1st Degree Theft and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. If convicted on both charges, he faces maximum of over ten years in prison.