Police find meth precursors in pickup in Menards lot

Cedar Rapids police arrested a Vinton man after they said he tried to steal products commonly used to make the drug methamphetamine from a Menards on the southwest side Tuesday morning.

Police said 37-year-old Travis Dolan was observed on surveillance video stealing items from the store that he could fit into his coat and pants pockets.  When a loss prevention officer approached Dolan to ask about the items, he became confrontational.

“There was some pushing and shoving, and he (Dolan) even lost his shirt,” said Cedar Rapids Police Sergeant Cristy Hamblin.

Hamblin said some bystanders tried to step in and help out, while others called the police.  When police arrived they were unable to immediately locate Dolan, but a tip led them to a nearby Dumpster where he was hiding.

After being taken into police custody, Dolan began complaining of chest pains and was taken to Mercy Medical Center.

Hamblin said officers spent a couple hours searching Dolan's truck.  Inside they found evidence that he had been cooking meth, but said they would not classify the vehicle as a “mobile meth lab.”

Dolan has been charged with second degree robbery, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of precursors (items used for making meth).

He was taken by police from Mercy Medical Center to the Linn County Jail Tuesday afternoon.