Highway 9 Traffic Stop Near Montgomery Street Leads to Drug Charge in Decorah

A traffic-related response to a disabled vehicle on Highway 9 near Montgomery Street in Decorah led to the arrest of a 19-year-old Postville man on a first-offense marijuana possession charge, according to the Decorah Police Department.

Officers were dispatched at approximately 12:01 p.m. on Oct. 30 to the disabled vehicle near the intersection of Highway 9 and Montgomery Street. When they arrived, officers spoke with the driver, Kervens Kerlegrand, 19, of Postville, and a passenger about arrangements for the vehicle.

During that interaction, officers reported detecting the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. Police said Kerlegrand was found in possession of a THC vape. A subsequent search allegedly uncovered additional THC vape products beneath the driver’s seat.

Arrest and vehicle removal

Authorities arrested Kerlegrand and transported him to the Winneshiek County Jail. He was booked on a charge of possession of a controlled substance, marijuana, first offense.

The passenger was transported to the Decorah Police Department and later picked up by a valid driver, according to the police release. After the investigation, Don’s Towing removed the vehicle from the scene.

Potential Iowa penalty

The release classified a first-offense possession charge as a serious misdemeanor in Iowa. It said the charge may carry up to one year in jail and fines ranging from $430 to $2,560.

Police noted that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.