Hunter
07/17/23
An Iowa City man faces charges after he allegedly took a man’s moped and then stole a tool from a hardware store.
Police were alerted to the theft at Ace Hardware on Mall Drive just before 9am Saturday. Witnesses on scene reportedly observed 35-year-old Rashaud Lee of Hollywood Boulevard take a drill and place it in his backpack. He then left the store without paying for the item. Officers saw Lee on the moped witnesses described traveling away from the scene, wearing the same clothes witnesses reported he was wearing.
When stopped, Lee reportedly admitted to the theft before he was questioned. Additional stolen property was allegedly located in his underwear. The total value of the stolen items was just under $200.
The registered owner of Lee’s moped was contacted, and he alleged that the vehicle was supposed to be in his garage, didn’t know Lee, and never gave him permission to operate it. Police believe Lee started the moped by circumventing the ignition system. After being read his rights, Lee reportedly said he got permission from someone named Alissa, who is not the owner.
A check of Lee’s driving status showed it as barred until August 2027 for being a habitual offender.
Lee faces 3rd degree theft for the hardware store incident, 2nd degree theft for allegedly taking the moped, and a Driving While Barred charge. If convicted on all counts, he could be sentenced to up to 9 years in prison.