On May 6, Iowa City Police responded to a report of a person looking into vehicles. The police report states that the suspect, Nicholas Rotter (32), Iowa City, tried to flee from authorities, first on a bicycle and then on foot. After being chased by police, he was taken to the ground.

After apprehending Rotter, police searched his backpack and found 2.1 grams of marijuana, 3 grams of methamphetamine, and a pot style meth lab. The bicycle which Rotter originally tried to flee on was found to be stolen from a nearby residence.

Rotter was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, intent to manufacture a controlled substance, theft, and assault on a police officer.