Cedar Rapids man arrested after being spotted with rifle in Iowa City protest

IOWA CITY - A Cedar Rapids man faces a weapons charge after being spotted at a protest carrying a rifle, police said

Police observed Brandon T. Owen, 19, of Cedar Rapids, around 12:55 a.m. Sunday carrying an 'AR-15 style” rifle in the middle of a crowd, according to an Iowa City police criminal complaint.

Police said Owen later was found driving a vehicle and was stopped for a traffic offense.

Owen was investigated for impaired driving, and the rifle was found in the vehicle. A urine sample was obtained, but a presumptive test showed the presence of THC, police said.

Owen was arrested and faces one count of possession of a dangerous weapon while under the influence, a serious misdemeanor.

Iowa City Police Sgt. Doug Hart said residents can carry weapons as long as they have a permit to carry.

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