Hunter
12/29/24
An Iowa City man who was reportedly driving recklessly on Interstate 80 faces drug charges after being stopped by police.
A warning was broadcast over police radio Friday at 11:25pm stating that 26-year-old Chamar Richardson of Petsel Place was reportedly identified as a reckless driver near the 260 mile marker in Cedar County. He allegedly was having difficulty maintaining his lane and was crossing the center line.
A sheriff’s deputy located Richardson’s Chevy Impala on I80 near the Dubuque Street exit. Richardson continued westbound and reportedly made an improper lane change to take the 1st Avenue exit in Coralville. He was subsequently pulled over at the Kum & Go on 1st Avenue.
Upon contact, the vehicle allegedly had the heavy odor of marijuana. A probable cause search found baggies containing the substance in a pink purse sitting on the passenger side seat. Richardson reportedly admitted to ownership of the marijuana, and explained that he put it in the purse because he had nowhere else to put it when stopped, and didn’t think police would search the purse.
Richardson estimated he had about 80 grams of marijuana; when weighed in the baggies it was actually 104 grams.
Richardson was arrested and charged with a Controlled Substance violation and Failure to Affix Drug Stamp. If convicted on both counts, he could be sentenced to a maximum six years in prison.