Hunter
07/25/22
An Iowa City man was arrested Saturday night after a traffic stop reportedly turned up drugs hidden in a safe that was manufactured to look like a religious book.
According to the arrest reports, 56-year old Frederick Armstrong of Tofting Avenue was driving a Chevy Suburban that was following too close to traffic around 7:55pm and allegedly made an improper lane change near the intersection of Gilbert and College Streets. Police say that Armstrong made furtive gestures while being observed.
A check of the man’s driving record showed his status as suspended. A K9 reportedly alerted to the odor of narcotics in the vehicle, and a probable cause search allegedly turned up a coded safe that looked like a hard-cover religious book. Armstrong reportedly told officers that he didn’t know the combination. When they told him they were going to search it anyway, Armstrong reportedly ran from the scene. He was caught after a brief chase.
Once the safe was opened, methamphetamine and several dime size baggies were located.
Armstrong has been convicted of controlled substance violations in 2009 and on two counts last October.
He’s now charged with a Class B controlled substance violation, Failure to affix Tax Stamp, and Interference with Official Acts. If convicted on all counts, Armstrong could be sentenced to over 30 years in prison.
