Hunter
08/24/21
Being stopped for driving a vehicle without plates has led to the arrest of an Iowa City man on weapons charges.
Police made a traffic stop near the intersection of Taylor Drive and Highway 6 Sunday night just before 8:30 for a vehicle without license plates. 35-year-old Donald Anderson of Lakeside Drive was in the passenger seat, and officers reportedly saw loose marijuana in plain view inside the vehicle.
A probable cause search was executed, and when Anderson exited the vehicle, he allegedly tried to take a backpack with him that was sitting near his leg. A search of the bag reportedly turned up a .45 caliber pistol, and a check of Anderson’s criminal record showed that he was a convicted felon and is currently on probation until January 2022. Under Miranda, Anderson reportedly admitted to being in possession of the firearm and dropping the magazine out of the gun at one point.
Police say that Anderson’s breath smelled as if he recently ate fresh marijuana. He reportedly admitted to drinking and smoking marijuana within the previous few hours. A preliminary urine test came up positive for consumption of marijuana and cocaine.
Anderson was taken into custody and charged with Dominion or Control of a Firearm as a Felon and Possession of Weapons while Intoxicated. If convicted on both counts, he could be sentenced to up to six years in prison.