Stop of suspicious van leads police to suspected cocaine dealer

Cedar Rapids police who pulled over a suspicious van were led to a woman they suspect was selling drugs, including cocaine and heroin.

Officers on foot patrol approached the van in the 1200 block alley between Second and Third avenues, but it pulled away. When it stopped, the rear passenger drew their attention.

Sgt. Cristy Hamblin, a police spokeswoman, said the passenger, later identified as David Burton, 44, “made several movements causing officers to be fearful for their safety.” Burton was charged with possession of crack cocaine when police located the drug with him in the van. The driver of the van, Frank Sudduth, 55, had an open can of beer, police said.

Police questioned Burton and learned that he had bought the cocaine from 1233 Third Ave. SE, No. 4. Investigators arrived and spoke to the occupants of the apartment.

Heather E. Carter, 22, has been charged with possession of crack coacaine, heroin and marijuana with intent to deliver. According to a criminal complaint, officers found her with individually wrapped baggies of all three drugs during a pat-down search.

Another woman in the apartment, Shanitha S. Kennedy, 22, of Cedar Rapids, has been charged with possession of marijuana.

All four individuals were taken to the Linn County Jail.

The apartment where Carter and Kennedy was arrested is the same apartment where Malinda Kennedy and Anthony Stokes were found dead on July 2. Kennedy was a niece to Malinda Kennedy.