Cedar Rapids police stop car, find gun, marijuana inside

Police said they found marijuana and a handgun in a car Wednesday morning.

Shortly before 4 a.m., Cedar Rapids police officers were driving in the area of the 1600 block of 17th Street NE. Police said they grew suspicious of the driver of a Chrysler 300 when he pulled over quickly, but did not get out of the car. When police turned around and approached the vehicle, they discovered the driver - and only occupant of the vehicle - had gotten out of the driver's seat and moved to the passenger seat. The occupant, 29-year-old Joseph Griffin-Cooke, was found to be sitting in the passenger seat, reclined back.

Police said they questioned Griffin-Cooke, who was evasive with officers and acted suspicious. The officers called for a K9 officer. When the K9 officer arrived, Griffin-Cooke became irritated and started to reach for something under his seat. Police said Griffin-Cooke refused commands to show his hands, and officers - fearing he was reaching for a weapon - entered the vehicle.

Griffin-Cooke struggled with the officers and one officer suffered a minor injury in the scuffle. Police placed Griffin-Cooke under arrest for interference with official acts causing injury.

Police said a search of the vehicle turned up a HiPoint .380 handgun, as well as eight individually wrapped packages of marijuana. Griffin was taken into custody and has been charged with interference with official acts causing injury, possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, driving while barred and possession of a firearm as a felon.