On May 26, 2023, at approximately 5:20 p.m., two men from Rock Valley, Iowa, were arrested following a traffic stop that revealed marijuana possession. The Iowa State Patrol stopped a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox traveling at 71 mph on Highway 18, near Dogwood Avenue, which is located about two miles west of Rock Valley.
The driver, 22-year-old Jasser Ali Vargas-Merlo, and his passenger, 20-year-old Nilson Gustavo Chavez-Felipe, were approached by a trooper who detected a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. Upon questioning, both men admitted to using and possessing marijuana. Vargas-Merlo acknowledged that he had smoked marijuana shortly before the traffic stop.
Observations made by the trooper indicated that Vargas-Merlo displayed signs of impaired balance and subsequently failed field sobriety tests. Chavez-Felipe was found to be in possession of marijuana located in a black backpack he was carrying when the officer approached their vehicle.
Further investigation revealed additional substances in the car, including plastic containers and blunts associated with marijuana use, as well as a vape device containing THC oil.
As a result of these findings, Vargas-Merlo faced multiple charges: first-offense operating while under the influence, first-offense possession of a controlled substance—marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. The incident highlights ongoing issues related to drug enforcement and public safety in the area.
English 
Spanish 
German 
Czech