Iowa City man allegedly found with drug paraphernalia when arrested for stealing bike

Hunter
11/01/24

An Iowa City man was arrested for bicycle theft after the victim allegedly observed him outside a residence with the bike.

On Tuesday afternoon, the victim reported seeing 47-year-old Jonathan Merritt of the Town and Campus Apartments on Arthur Street outside a Rochester Avenue residence with her bike that she reported stolen.  The woman was able to provide police with photos and documentation that the bike was hers

When confronted, Merritt alleged that he received the bike a few weeks prior in a trade with a friend.  He was searched incident to arrest and a glass pipe and other drug paraphernalia was reportedly found.

The bike is valued at $3000.

Merritt was charged with 2nd degree theft and possession of drug paraphernalia. If convicted, he could be sentenced to over five years in prison.