Woman found slumped behind wheel of stolen vehicle outside Cedar Rapids motel charged for theft, illegal drugs

A woman was charged with theft and drug crimes after she was found asleep at the wheel of a stolen vehicle outside of a Motel 6 on 33rd Avenue last Wednesday.

According to criminal complaints filed in the Linn County Courthouse, Laura Colling, 35, has been charged with second-degree theft of a vehicle, a felony; and possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), unlawful possession of a prescription drug (methadone), and providing police with false information - all misdemeanor offenses.

The complaints state that police officers were dispatched to the Motel 6 at 616 33r Avenue SW in Cedar Rapids on May 16 for the report of a 'subject slumped behind the wheel of a vehicle.” As they arrived, officers found Colling unconscious behind the wheel of a vehicle that was later determined to have been stolen, according to the complaints. As Collins was stirred awake by officers, she gave them a false name, allegedly to avoid arrest for probation violation. According to the complaint, Collins was previously charged with possession of marijuana on Dec. 5, 2017.

When Collins was taken into custody, police officers discovered she was in possession of methamphetamine, as well as methadone without a prescription, according to the complaint.

Second-degree theft is a Class D felony, punishable by up to five years imprisonment and a fine of between $750 and $7,500.