A routine traffic stop led to an arrest after a driver, operating with a barred license, allegedly discarded drugs from their vehicle. Officers also recovered drug paraphernalia inside the car.
On January 7th, at approximately 8:39 a.m., officers from the Oskaloosa Police Department were conducting a routine patrol near 11th Avenue West and South O Street when they observed a gray Nissan Maxima making a left-hand turn to head northbound on South O Street. Officers noted that the vehicle did not have a license plate on either the front or rear.
Police initiated a traffic stop at 7th Avenue West and South O Street. Upon contact, the driver, identified as Todd Braden, 57, of Oskaloosa, was found to have a barred driver’s license.
During the stop, officers were informed that Braden had allegedly discarded a clear bag containing an unknown substance before turning onto 9th Avenue West. A water department employee reportedly witnessed Braden throw the bag out of his driver’s side window onto the north side of 9th Avenue West and remained with the item until police arrived to seize it.
When officers asked Braden to exit his vehicle, he was placed under arrest for driving while barred. Braden denied throwing any drugs from the vehicle.
A subsequent search of Braden’s vehicle uncovered a green smoking cart, commonly used for marijuana, located between the front seats. Braden denied ownership of the item.
Records indicate that Braden has two prior drug-related convictions.
Braden is currently being held at the Mahaska County Jail on a $5,000 bond. He is charged with:
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Two counts of possession of a controlled substance, third or subsequent offense (Class D felony)
- Driving while barred (aggravated misdemeanor)
