Davenport Man Arrested After Assaulting Officers and Possessing Illegal Drugs
A Davenport man is facing multiple charges after a violent encounter with police during a narcotics investigation on November 19.
Melvin Hawkins III, 34, is being held without bond in the Scott County Jail following the incident, which involved a physical altercation with officers and the discovery of illegal drugs.
According to the Davenport Police Department, members of the Tactical Operations Bureau had been investigating Hawkins for narcotics activities. At approximately 8:26 a.m., officers followed him from his home in the 2700 block of North Brady Street to a residence in the 300 block of East 30th Street.
As officers, wearing vests with clear police markings, approached Hawkins, a uniformed officer in a marked squad car arrived at the scene.
Hawkins reportedly punched one officer in the face, causing swelling and a bleeding laceration to the officer’s eye. As officers attempted to subdue him, Hawkins fled on foot but eventually fell, allowing police to apprehend him. During the pursuit, two officers sustained knee injuries that caused pain and bleeding.
While fleeing, Hawkins dropped a bag containing 147.45 grams of high-grade marijuana, a digital scale, and sandwich bags. He also had $1,123 in cash and a cell phone on his person.
Further investigation revealed that Hawkins’ Iowa driver’s license had been revoked for eluding law enforcement, and he was found to be driving without the required SR-22 insurance. A check of his criminal history revealed that Hawkins is a convicted felon.
A search of Hawkins’ home led to the discovery of a 12-gauge shotgun, $4,000 in cash, 14.65 grams of marijuana, 61.35 grams of marijuana edibles, and ammunition. The marijuana and edibles were not affixed with the required Iowa Drug Tax Stamp, which is mandated by state law.
Hawkins has been charged with multiple offenses, including:
- Felony dominion/control of a weapon by a domestic abuse offender
- Assault on a police officer
- Driving while license denied/revoked
- Two counts of failure to affix a drug tax stamp
- Interference with official acts
- Two counts of possession with intent to deliver
- Violation of financial liability
He is currently being held in the Scott County Jail, awaiting his initial court appearance.