Iowa City Man Charged with Having Meth Lab in Backpack

Iowa City Police have levied a number of charges against a man who they say had an active methamphetamine lab in his backpack.

Last Friday morning, Iowa City Police Department complaints show they responded to a call of a man looking into cars at the corner of Maggard Street and Sheridan Avenue. He reportedly was using a headlamp.

According to KWWL, police discovered Nicholas William Rotter, a 32-year old man from Iowa City who tried to flee on a bicycle and eventually on foot. Police were able to catch up with him and apprehend him after a struggle. Police found under five grams of meth in the backpack, along with three additional grams of meth in a different container, as well as more than two grams of marijuana.

Rotter is facing two felony drug charges. He's also been charged with a variety of misdemeanors including Tampering with a Vehicle, 4th Degree Theft, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Interference with Official Acts, and Assault on a Police Officer.

He remains in custody at the Johnson County Jail in Iowa City.

[via KWWL & Johnson County Sheriff's Office]