Iowa City woman charged after trying to prevent police from arresting passenger

Hunter
06/26/23

An Iowa City woman was taken into custody last week due to a May incident when she tried to stop officers from arresting a passenger who had a warrant.

32-year-old Stephanie Johnson of Petsel Place was stopped near the intersection of West Benton and Orchard Streets the evening of May 4th because the Jeep she was operating had no plates.  She was also stopped because she and the four other occupants of the vehicle had allegedly been in a fight in the parking lot of the Riverside Drive Kum & Go earlier.

During the traffic stop, it was learned that one of the passengers had an outstanding warrant. Police say Johnson ignored multiple officer commands, including to turn off the vehicle and provide the keys to the officers.  She also reportedly locked the doors of the Jeep while officers were trying to remove the wanted passenger.

A warrant was issued for Johnson’s arrest, and she was booked at the Johnson County Jail June 20th for an Interference With Official Acts charge. An initial appearance has been scheduled for July 27th. If convicted on the charge, Johnson could face up to 30 days in jail.