An Iowa State Patrol trooper spotted a stolen black Mercedes around 8:59 p.m. on Locust Street near Gaines Street in Davenport. The vehicle, driving westbound, matched the description of a car reported stolen.
The trooper followed the car and confirmed the license plate near Locust and Washington Streets before calling for backup. When another trooper arrived, they activated emergency lights, prompting the Mercedes to pull over on Lincoln Avenue.
The driver, identified as Johnson, complied with commands and was detained during a felony traffic stop. He informed troopers that his three children—ages 10, 9, and 6—were in the car. Officers located the children unharmed and later released them to family members.
Troopers noticed a strong odor of marijuana from the car and conducted a probable cause search. They discovered a small amount of marijuana on the floor behind the passenger seat. Additional marijuana was also found in Johnson’s hair by a Davenport officer.
During questioning, Johnson claimed the vehicle was given to him by the owner, but police were unable to contact her.
Johnson was arrested and charged with felony second-degree theft and misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance. He was released on a $3,500 bond and is scheduled for arraignment on July 3, according to court records.
