CHARLES CITY — A Charles City woman was arrested on a felony theft warrant after police conducted a traffic stop earlier this month.
According to the Charles City Police Department, officers conducted a traffic stop at approximately 12:16 a.m. on May 5, 2026, in the 500 block of Richings Street.
As a result of the stop, Kirsten Emily Downer, 28, of Charles City, was arrested on a valid Floyd County warrant for Theft 2nd Degree, a Class D felony.
Police said narcotics and drug paraphernalia were also seized during the stop. Additional charges are pending further investigation, according to police.
Court records in State of Iowa vs. Kirsten Emily Downer, case number 02341 FECR030945 in Floyd County, show the criminal complaint was filed April 29, 2026. The offense date is listed as April 17, 2026.
Court filings show an order to issue a warrant was filed April 29, with bond set at $5,000 cash or surety. The warrant was served May 5 by the Charles City Police Department.
Downer (pictured at top) made an initial appearance May 5. Court records show she was released on her own recognizance, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for 11:45 a.m. on May 22, 2026.
An order appointing the public defender was also filed May 5, and an appearance and request for mandatory discovery was filed May 6.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.