A traffic incident on Tuesday evening in Burlington led to the arrest of two men after their vehicle crashed into a pole, resulting in the discovery of illegal firearms and the execution of multiple outstanding warrants.
On December 2nd, detectives observed a vehicle traveling eastbound at a high rate of speed from the Burger King area. The vehicle lost control and collided with a pole in the 3000 block of Flint Hills Drive.
According to the Burlington Iowa Police Department, two occupants attempted to exit the vehicle following the crash. Detectives detained both individuals, identifying them as William Teager Jr., who was driving, and Nicholas Connelly, the front-seat passenger. Officers immediately detected the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle and subsequently discovered firearms on both men.
The press release continues to say Teager was read his Miranda Rights and admitted to smoking marijuana earlier that day. Detectives also detected the odor of marijuana coming from Teager’s person. When informed of his impending arrest, Teager claimed he was unsure if he possessed anything illegal and asked detectives to search him. The search revealed two smoked marijuana blunts in his left jacket pocket.
Nicholas Connelly faces multiple serious charges, including Robbery in the First Degree (Class B Felony), Going Armed with Intent (Class D Felony), Theft in the Second Degree (Class D Felony), Assault While Displaying a Dangerous Weapon (Aggravated Misdemeanor), Person Ineligible to Carry Dangerous Weapons (Serious Misdemeanor), Theft in the Fourth Degree (Serious Misdemeanor), and Theft in the Fifth Degree (Simple Misdemeanor). The robbery charges stem from an incident that occurred on November 13th, in the 1600 block of South 10th Street. Connelly is being held on $100,000 cash bond, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for December 12th.
William Teager Jr. was charged with Possession of Controlled Substance – Marijuana 1st Offense (Serious Misdemeanor) and Person Ineligible to Carry Dangerous Weapons (Serious Misdemeanor). He also faces several traffic violations, including Driving While License Denied, Suspended, Cancelled or Revoked, No Insurance, Failure to Maintain Control, and Striking Fixtures Upon a Highway.
Both men were taken into custody following the incident. The investigation remains ongoing.
