Police: Man resists arrest after officer notices marijuana sticking out of coat pocket

A West Liberty man resisted arrest briefly after police noticed a small bag of marijuana sticking out of his coat pocket during a traffic stop Tuesday, authorities said.

According to Iowa City police at 1:22 a.m., Nathan Morgan, 18, was pulled over for a tail light being out when the officer noticed a small bag of marijuana in his front left pocket "was clearly visible" while speaking to him through the driver's window.

The officer also said he found two pipes, one on Morgan's person and one in the center console of his truck, and tests showed Morgan was under the influence of marijuana and could not safely operate the truck, police said.

As Morgan was being placed into the back of the squad car, he reportedly became "agitated and was thrashing around." Police said he kicked one officer in the leg, and he was placed into into the squad car with the assistance of several officers, according to reports.

Morgan is charged with interference with official acts, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and first-offense OWI.

He was released Tuesday on his own recognizance, according to the Johnson County Jail.