News : Driver with handgun arrested on Hwy 30 Benton Co. Sheriff & Conservation Respond

On 6-29-24, at about 8:23 PM, the Benton County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of an erratic driver driving east on Hwy 30 in Benton County. Benton County Deputies would soon locate a gray Kia Telluride on Hwy 30 near 31st Ave and conducted a traffic stop for a speeding violation. The traffic stop would escalate and the driver would display a handgun. The driver, Marc Timothy Leconte, age 56, of Cedar Rapids IA, was taken into custody after a lengthy standoff. Assisting in the incident were the Linn County Sheriff's Office, Cedar Rapids Police Dept., Iowa State Patrol, and Benton County Conservation. Leconte was arrested and transported to the Benton County Jail. He was charged with;Assault with Dangerous Weapon (Threatening Manner) 708.2(3)Carrying Weapon - While Intoxicated (OWI) 724.4CInterference With Official Acts, Armed w/ Firearm 719.1(1)(f)Operating While Intoxicated, 1st Offense 321J.2(2)(a)Speeding Over 55 Zone (21 and Over)Operation Without Registration Card or Plate Bond was set by the Court at $5000, and Leconte subsequently posted bond and was released from custody. A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.