Two arrested after allegedly taking a joyride in Iowa City taxi

UPDATE: Two transient men are accused of burglary and operating a vehicle without the consent after Iowa City police say they allegedly took a taxi from 475 S. Gilbert St. and drove it away Tuesday.

According to reports, witnesses saw two men taking the taxi at approximately 1:42 a.m. Tuesday and gave descriptions that matched those of Philip J. Bowen, 20, and Mikkel R. Shelton-Tipton, 19.

Iowa City Police Sergeant Denise Brotherton says that the taxi was taken after the driver had left his vehicle unlocked and running while he ran into Falbo Bros. Pizzeria.

Police say that the taxi's GPS signal indicated that it was located near the Chauncey Swan parking ramp, about two blocks from where the cab was taken.

Bowen and Shelton-Tipton were observed together in the area of the parking ramp. Officers noted that Shelton-Tipton was seen running.

Both men were later located in the pedestrian mall by Iowa City police.

A witnesses identified Bowen as one of the individuals who had allegedly taken the car. Bowen was then placed under arrest and was found to have $498 in his pocket that was taken from the vehicle.

Bowen allegedly admitted to police that he and Shelton-Tipton had found money in the center console of the car and had taken it.

Bowen also allegedly said that he suggested to Shelton-Tipton that they steal the vehicle, but that he did not feel comfortable driving it.

Police say that Shelton-Tipton was carrying an envelope containing $261.55 from the taxi, as well as the keys to the vehicle.

Shelton-Tipton showed signs of impairment, failed field sobriety tests and allegedly told officers that he was intoxicated.

Bowen and Shelton-Tipton were being held at the Johnson County Jail Tuesday morning on respective $10,000 and $15,000 bonds.

Bowen faces charges of operating a vehicle without consent and third-degree burglary of an unoccupied motor vehicle. Shelton-Tipton faces a class D felony charge of operating without consent and operating while intoxicated.